AUSTIN, Texas — Whole Foods Market has announced that it is the first national grocer to have its retail operations designated as "Certified Organic" by Quality Assurance International.

QAI's Organic Certification Program for Retailers verifies businesses handle organic goods according to stringent national guidelines from receipt through repacking and finally to sale to consumers. Organic integrity is ensured from the farm to shopping bag. In order to receive certification, retailers must adhere to strict standards set forth by the USDA's National Organic Program, submit documentation, and open facilities to on-site inspections.

“Earning organic certification is further proof of Whole Foods Market's unwavering commitment to organics that began when our first store opened almost 23 years ago," said Margaret Wittenberg, vice president of governmental and public affairs for Whole Foods Market and a former five-year member of U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Standards board.

Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market is the world's largest natural and organic foods supermarket.