New shelf labels

This article was originally published in March 2015

PCC recently launched a new shelf label system at our stores to make it easier for shoppers to identify attributes that matter to them. More than 60 percent of our labeled products have at least one of four attributes — organic, non-GMO, local, gluten-free — each identified with a different color on the label. Products may display just one color but could show all four. Here’s an explanation of what the different labels mean:

Organic

A product with a green “Organic” tag has been certified organic according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards. At least 95 percent of the ingredients are organic, certified by a third party.

Non-GMO

A product can earn a blue “Non-GMO” tag if it’s certified organic by the USDA, since organic standards prohibit genetic engineering, or if it’s Non-GMO Project Verified.

Local

Products showing a purple “Local” tag are grown or produced in Washington, Oregon, Idaho or southern British Columbia.

Gluten free

If a product’s packaging claims that it’s gluten-free, you’ll find an orange tag. This encompasses products where you might traditionally expect to find gluten, such as crackers, as well as packaged products that are gluten-free naturally. 

Also in this issue

PCC Board of Trustees report, March 2015

Notice of annual membership meeting, Celebrating a new era of operational leadership, Board hires a new CEO, and more

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Cultured foods are having a moment. From artisan sauerkrauts to cultured cottage cheese to kombucha, eaters can't seem to get enough of foods teeming with good bacteria. We have probiotic-rich foods, drinks and supplements galore!

Soil & Sea: reports from our producers

Learn about big investments in lucrative California nuts and "sustainable" aquaculture, why a California initiative is skyrocketing the price of eggs, and a possible alternative to using wild fish for fish feed.