Grocery Produce PLU Label Accuracy Audit

Spot-check audit of produce PLU codes and signage covering price accuracy, organic versus conventional labeling, and shelf tag compliance. Ensures PLU codes are correctly assigned (4-digit for conventional, 5-digit for organic) and that customer-facing signage matches POS system data.

Audit Setup and Scope

• Audit date and time
  Record the date and time the audit begins.
• Inspector name and role
  Enter the full name and job title of the person conducting this audit.
• Store location / department area audited
  Specify the store number or name and the produce section(s) included in this audit (e.g., wet rack, bulk bins, organic bay).
• Number of PLU items sampled
  Record the total number of individual produce items spot-checked during this audit. Minimum recommended sample: 20 items.
• POS system / price book version confirmed before audit
  Confirm that the current POS price book or PLU lookup system is accessible and reflects the most recent price update before beginning the floor walk.

PLU Code Format Accuracy

• Conventional produce items display 4-digit PLU codes (no leading '9' prefix)
  Spot-check a minimum of 10 conventional produce items. Confirm each shelf tag or sticker shows a 4-digit PLU code without an organic prefix.
• Organic produce items display 5-digit PLU codes beginning with '9'
  Spot-check a minimum of 5 certified organic produce items. Confirm each shelf tag or sticker shows a 5-digit PLU code with a leading '9' (e.g., 94011 for organic banana). Reference: IFPS PLU Codes FAQ May 2025.
• Number of PLU code format errors found (conventional/organic mismatch)
  Count and record the total number of items where the PLU code format does not match the product type (e.g., a 4-digit code on an organic item or a 5-digit code on a conventional item).
• PLU stickers on loose produce items are legible and fully adhered
  Check that individual PLU stickers applied to loose items (e.g., apples, avocados) are not peeling, smudged, or missing digits.

Price Accuracy — Shelf Tag vs. POS System

• Shelf tag price matches POS system price for all sampled conventional items
  Cross-reference the shelf tag price against the POS price book for each conventional produce item sampled. Record any discrepancy in comments.
• Shelf tag price matches POS system price for all sampled organic items
  Cross-reference the shelf tag price against the POS price book for each organic produce item sampled. Organic items typically carry a price premium; confirm the correct 5-digit PLU is mapped to the organic price.
• Number of price discrepancies found (shelf tag vs. POS)
  Record the total count of items where the shelf tag price does not match the POS system price. Zero discrepancies is the acceptable threshold.
• Sale or promotional prices on shelf tags are current and match active POS promotions
  Verify that any 'Sale' or promotional shelf tags reflect promotions currently active in the POS system. Expired promotions still displayed must be removed immediately.

Organic vs. Conventional Signage and Labeling

• Organic produce sections are clearly labeled with 'Organic' signage visible to customers
  Confirm that overhead, shelf-edge, or bin signage explicitly identifies organic produce areas. Signage must be unambiguous and not rely solely on PLU stickers for organic identification.
• No conventional produce items are displayed under or adjacent to 'Organic' signage without clear separation
  Check that conventional items have not migrated into organic display areas. Commingling of organic and conventional produce under organic signage may constitute misrepresentation under USDA NOP.
• Shelf tags include both PLU code and product name (no blank or generic tags)
  Confirm that all shelf tags display at minimum: product name, PLU code, unit of measure (each/lb), and retail price. Blank or placeholder tags must be flagged.
• Organic designation on shelf tag matches the organic status of the product on display
  Verify that shelf tags reading 'Organic' correspond to certified organic product currently stocked in that location. Check for situations where organic tags remain after organic stock was replaced with conventional.

Signage Condition and Placement

• All shelf tags are legible (no fading, water damage, or obscured text)
  Inspect shelf tags for legibility. Tags in produce wet racks are particularly susceptible to moisture damage. Illegible tags must be reprinted.
• Shelf tags are correctly positioned directly below or adjacent to the product they describe
  Confirm that no shelf tag is misaligned, shifted, or positioned under a different product than intended. Misplaced tags are a common source of price accuracy complaints.
• Overall signage condition rating for the produce department
  Rate the overall condition and accuracy of produce department signage observed during this audit.

Corrective Actions and Audit Close-Out

• All PLU code and price discrepancies identified during audit have been corrected or escalated
  Confirm that deficiencies found during the audit walk have been corrected on the spot or formally escalated to the produce manager or store director with a documented deadline.
• Summary of deficiencies and corrective actions taken
  List each deficiency observed (item description, location, nature of error) and the corrective action taken or assigned. Include responsible party and target completion date for open items.
• Inspector signature
  Inspector signature confirming that this audit was conducted accurately and all findings are documented.