Quality standards by department
Produce
Fresh, organic, local
PCC maintains close relationships with local and regional farmers to provide the best-tasting, freshest produce possible. More than 93 percent of produce sold by PCC is certified organic fruits and vegetables, grown without artificial pesticides or fertilizers. When organic varieties are not available or out of season, high quality non-organic produce is offered.
Meat and poultry
Pastured, free-range, humane
PCC offers only natural or organic meat products sourced directly from ranchers who are committed to humane standards. Animal welfare is ensured with wholesome feed and water, an environment that allows natural behaviors, and transport and slaughter practices that minimize stress, fear and discomfort.
All PCC meat is from pastured or free-range animals. All meat products must meet the following criteria to be sold by PCC:
- All animals are raised on 100 percent vegetarian diets
- No use of antibiotics or growth-promoting hormones
- No feed containing animal by-products
- No artificial food colorings or preservatives
- No meat or dairy from cloned animals or their offspring.
Seafood
Delicious seafood, healthy oceans
PCC is a full retail partner in the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program, which rates seafood choices according to environmental criteria, including the method used to catch the fish and whether the species is abundant or endangered or threatened by overfishing.
Most of the seafood sold by PCC is rated "Green, a Best Choice" according to the Seafood Watch program. A limited amount of PCC's seafood is rated "Yellow, a Good Alternative." Seafood rated as being in the Red, meaning fish to avoid, never is found at PCC.
Grocery
All natural, delicious choices
PCC grocery buyers give preference to organic, local grocery items packaged in an environmentally responsible way and to products with labels stating that they are not genetically modified and not irradiated. PCC grocery products contain no hydrogenated fats or added trans-fat.
Eggs and dairy
Fresh, local, safe
PCC sells only eggs from hens that are raised cage-free on local, family-owned farms. The use of antibiotics is prohibited and the hens are fed only 100 percent vegetarian feed. Certified organic eggs come from hens raised on certified organic feed.
As a natural foods retailer PCC supports natural milk production methods and has obtained affidavits or letters of assurance from our dairy providers that make certain they do, as well. All PCC dairy products — including fresh milk, yogurt, butter, sour cream, cheese, ice cream, kefir — are produced without the use of artificial growth hormones to increase milk production, including rBGH.
PCC's product standards do not allow for the sale of dairy or meat products produced using artificial hormones, just as they do not allow for any products containing artificial preservatives, colorings or flavorings.
Deli and bakery
Freshest taste, finest ingredients
Only organic grains, flours, olive oil, milk, beans, potatoes and greens are used in PCC deli and bakery recipes. Many, if not most of the vegetables in various deli-made dishes also are organic. Artificial flavorings, preservatives and colors are strictly prohibited. To ensure quality, deli items and baked goods are freshly made using many local and seasonal ingredients.
Meat and seafood used in PCC deli recipes adhere to the same guidelines as the items sold in our meat and seafood departments.
PCC coffee and espresso bars use only organic milk, tea and flavored syrups. All the brewed and expressed coffee sold at PCC — as well as all the bagged or bulk coffee — is certified organic, shade grown and Certified Fair Trade™.
PCC juice bars, available at our Greenlake and Issaquah stores, use only organic produce.
Wine and Beer
Handpicked, superb flavor
PCC supports wineries and breweries owned and operated by small, independent producers who put integrity and quality before the bottom line. Maintaining close relationships with local vintners and breweries, as well as producers worldwide, allows PCC to offer a wide range of choices for any budget or occasion. Every effort is made to acquire wines made from estate-grown fruit or fruit from conscientious growers.
All wines sold by PCC contain no synthetic additives, colors or preservatives, with the exception of sulfur, which is used by most wineries to prevent bacterial growth in wine.
Body care
Naturally safe and soothing
PCC believes that what we put on our bodies is as important as what we eat. All skin, facial and body care products sold by PCC must meet the following criteria:
- No artificial fragrances
- No testing on animals, unless required by law
- Environmentally responsible packaging
Nutritional Supplements
Safe and effective
PCC offers a wide variety of nutritional supplements, including vitamins sold exclusively under the PCC brand label. Each product is evaluated individually and must comply with specific requirements:
- No artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners
- Reliable research that supports claims concerning the product's purity and effectiveness
- Adequately labeled, listing ingredients and recommended use as required by law.