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CONTACT: Aaron Gottlieb, 904-260-6950, agottlieb@nativesunjax.com
Trish Ridgway-Kapustka, APR, 904-247-9570, Tridgway@thekurtisgroup.com
Native Sun Receives USDA Organic
Certification (Jacksonville, FL 11/18/04) Aaron
Gottlieb, owner of Native Sun Natural Foods Market announced
today that his store at 10,000 San Jose Boulevard has
earned the designation of "Certified Organic" by Quality
Assurance International (QAI), an independent certifying
agency of the USDA. Although certification is voluntary
for retailers, Native Sun spent two years preparing
for the certification process. "I felt this was an important
step to promote organics and to illustrate our commitment
to our customers," said Gottlieb.
QAI's Organic Certification Program for retailers verifies
that organic goods are handled according to stringent
national guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture's National Organic Program. The NOP,
which was put into place October 2002, is intended to
assure customers that the organic foods they purchase
are produced and processed consistent with national
organic standards regardless of their country of origin.
Native Sun completed a rigorous application process
that included the development of an Organic System Plan
outlining how the store will track organic products
from the supplier to the shopping cart. The plan, which
must be reviewed and updated annually and requires an
on-site inspection, includes a precise record-keeping
system to document how employees receive, handle, process
and manage organic products. The system ensures that
these goods are protected from commingling with non-organic
items and that contamination by prohibited substances
has not occurred.
Native Sun customers soon will see the USDA "Certified
Organic" label on items like the Native Choice private
label bulk items as well as other groceries throughout
the retailer. According to Gottlieb, "We are proud to
have earned this certification and are pleased that
our customers will now have this added assurance that
the organic products they purchase from us meet USDA
approved organic standards."
According to the USDA NOP Web site, "Organic food is
produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable
resources and the conservation of soil and water to
enhance environmental quality for future generations.
Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come
from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth
hormones. Organic food is produced without using most
conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic
ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing
radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic,"
a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where
the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following
all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards.
Companies that handle or process organic food before
it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must
be certified, too."
Native Sun Natural Foods Market is a 10,000-square-foot supermarket
offering a variety of all-natural and organic products
including fresh produce, packaged and frozen foods,
poultry and fish, health and beauty products, supplements,
homeopathic remedies, baby products and pet food and
supplies. The store's deli, "Native Sun To Go," offers
wraps, soups, salads, entrees, desserts, and freshly
squeezed juices and smoothies. Store hours are Monday
through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information
visit the store Web site at www.nativesunjax.com.
Resources:
USDA
NOP Web site
Organic Trade Association
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