Barcodes on packaged foods are an example of the UPC-A code format. It is 12 digits long and looks something like this:
![1D barcode example for GreatLakesBarcode.com with explanation of UPC, company profix and item reference.](https://greatlakesbarcode.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Picture5.jpg)
The UPC number itself is referred to as the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). The GTIN is made up of two parts: The UPC Company Prefix and the number that you have assigned to that unique product.