Central
Co-op’s Product Guidelines
We believe that it is critical that we know where our food comes from, and to verify that the sources are in alignment with the values of our community.
Our Strict Guidelines
We strive to be a community resource of information and tools for shoppers to make healthy choices, and our intention is to be the store where you can feel confident that all the products you pick from our shelves are sourced and produced in a manner that is respectful to the Earth and its inhabitants.
When considering new products, our buyers adhere to a lengthy list of banned ingredients that dictate that only the best food ends up on our shelves. We also conduct periodic product ingredient audits (particularly when a producer changes management) to ensure that unwanted ingredients haven’t snuck in to previously approved products.
Our product selection standards for all food items in the store can be summarized as:
No harmful preservatives
No artificial colors or flavors
No refined sugars
No High-Fructose Corn Syrup
No bio-engineered ingredients/GMOs
We also have guidelines that reflect our principles and organizational ethics:
Basic whole foods
Organically-grown products
Minimal packaging whenever possible
Products that are cooperatively produced, and/or distributed
Products that are grown, produced, and distributed locally
Items that are Third-party certified by organizations that align with our values (e.g., the Non-GMO-verified Project
Foods that satisfy limited and special diets
Foods with cultural relevance and authenticity
Non-toxic, environmentally-sound household and body care products
High-quality nutritional supplements
Products that are not tested on animals
Meat & Dairy products from animals that are raised humanely, pastured, grass-fed, and without antibiotics or added RBGH
Wild and responsibly harvested seafood