Frequently
Asked
Questions.
Everything you need to know about PLU codes, our data sources, API access, and how PLU Finder can help your business.
12
Questions Answered
4
Categories
General
What is a PLU code?
Price Look-Up (PLU) codes are 4 or 5-digit numbers that identify bulk produce items at point-of-sale systems globally. They are used to identify produce, determine pricing, track inventory, and distinguish between conventional and organic produce. For example, 4011 is a conventional banana, while 94011 is an organic banana.
What is PLU Finder?
PLU Finder is a comprehensive produce intelligence platform providing accurate, daily-verified PLU code data to retailers, developers, and consumers worldwide. Since May 2018, we've been enriching PLU data with detailed descriptions, storage recommendations, nutritional information, and more. We verify our data daily against the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS).
How do I identify organic produce using PLU codes?
Organic produce is identified by a 5-digit PLU code starting with the number 9. Simply add a 9 prefix to the conventional 4-digit code. For example: conventional apples might be 4131, while organic apples would be 94131. The 9 prefix indicates the produce was grown organically without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
Data & Accuracy
How accurate is PLU Finder's data?
We verify our PLU codes daily against the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS), the official administrator of PLU codes globally. We also cross-reference with the NYS WIC program for additional verification. New codes are added within 24 hours of IFPS publication, and our enriched data (descriptions, nutrition, storage tips) is continuously updated.
What information does PLU Finder provide beyond basic PLU codes?
Beyond the basic PLU code, commodity name, and variety from IFPS, we provide proprietary enriched data including: detailed descriptions, storage recommendations, nutritional information (from USDA FoodData Central), seasonality information, regional availability, botanical names, common aliases, and product images. This enriched data has been curated since May 2018.
Where does PLU Finder get its data?
Our primary source is IFPS (International Federation for Produce Standards), the official PLU code administrator. We also use NYS WIC for daily verification, USDA FoodData Central for nutritional data, and the EU Pesticides Database for European compliance data. Base PLU data is public domain from IFPS; enriched data is our proprietary work since 2018.
API & Developers
Does PLU Finder offer an API?
Yes! We offer a REST API at api.plufinder.com with JSON responses, search endpoints, and bulk data access. We also provide an MCP (Model Context Protocol) server at mcp.plufinder.com/sse for AI integrations, compatible with Claude Desktop, Claude Code, ChatGPT, n8n workflows, and custom AI agents. Visit app.plufinder.com to get started.
What are the API rate limits?
Free tier: 100 requests/day. Developer tier: 1,000 requests/day. Business tier: 10,000 requests/day. Enterprise tier: Unlimited requests with SLA-backed support. Contact us for detailed pricing and custom requirements.
What is the MCP Server and how do I use it?
The MCP (Model Context Protocol) Server allows AI applications to query PLU Finder in real-time. It enables natural language produce queries and context-aware responses. Connect to mcp.plufinder.com/sse from Claude Desktop, Claude Code, or other MCP-compatible AI tools. It's perfect for building produce lookup bots, inventory validation agents, and AI-powered retail applications.
Business
How can PLU Finder help my retail business?
PLU Finder provides accurate PLU data for POS systems, reducing checkout errors and improving efficiency. We offer API integration for inventory management, bulk data exports for system updates, and enterprise solutions including custom integrations with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics). Our data helps streamline produce operations from checkout to inventory.
Do you offer enterprise solutions?
Yes! Enterprise solutions include: full database access with custom export formats (JSON, CSV, XML), scheduled data delivery, historical archives, custom ERP integrations, white-label solutions with branded widgets, SLA-backed support, and market intelligence reports. Contact our sales team at app.plufinder.com for custom pricing.
Can I embed PLU Finder in my application?
Absolutely. We offer white-label solutions including branded PLU lookup widgets, embedded search components, and custom domain support. Our API enables full integration into POS systems, mobile apps, inventory management tools, and data enrichment pipelines. Enterprise customers can access custom development services for specialized integrations.
PLU Code Quick Reference
Conventional
Standard 4-digit codes for conventionally grown produce.
Example: 4011 = Banana
Organic
5-digit codes starting with 9 indicate organic produce.
Example: 94011 = Organic Banana
GMO (Rarely Used)
5-digit codes starting with 8 for genetically modified produce.
Note: This prefix is rarely used in practice.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? Our team is here to help with technical questions, API integration support, and enterprise inquiries.