The PCC co-op has modified and built out its standards to add specific details backing up its policies regarding food distribution, safety requirements, and more. The new initiative prioritizes organic foods and bans many potentially harmful or unnecessary additives and chemicals.
“Not many grocers have publicly available standards that are focused on sustainability, and setting criteria for health, environmental benefits, animal welfare, toxics concerns,” said Rebecca Robinson, PCC’s senior product sustainability specialist, in a statement. “The main goal and purpose was to articulate what we’re doing and what our merchandisers do.”
The new standards provide in-depth requirements related to the following business aspects: food ingredients, genetic engineering, fair labor, product origin, fresh produce, animal welfare, seafood, fresh milk and eggs, palm oil, health and body care, alcohol and spirits, and plants and flowers. The comprehensive list and details can be found here.
Related: PCC Releases Co-op Purposes Report; Zero Waste Grocer Opens in San Diego