San Francisco based fast-casual pioneer, The Plant Café Organic, has become the business to qualify for Platinum level certification of the Eat REAL Certified Audit, a point-based system for food and foodservice operators “committed to holistic nutrition and environmental stewardship.
“Since we opened our first restaurant twelve years ago, The Plant has been committed to 100% organic food sourced from loyal purveyors. Our sustainability and health mission has found a strong partner in Eat REAL,” said Matthew Guelke, Co-Founder and CEO of The Plant Cafe Organic. “We are proud to have met the high standards for Platinum-level certification and together with Eat REAL, we hope to encourage other restaurants to prioritize nutrition, ethical sourcing, and organic foods.”
This certification marks the rollout of Eat REAL’s updated certification standards, which incorporates, amongst other things, an increased focus on animal welfare, sustainable produce sourcing, and a tiered (Silver, Gold, and Platinum) system for scoring restaurants that go above and beyond to make changes to their operations.
In becoming Platinum certified, The Plant Café is leading the highest ranking REAL Certified establishments – the goal of which is to represent the top 1% of nutrition and sustainability best-practice nationwide. On top of the REAL Certified audit standards, Platinum restaurants must also meet the following prerequisites:
•A minimum score of 90% on the REAL Certified audit.
•100% of meat and poultry products are sourced from non-CAFO farms.
•100% of seafood must be “green” according to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Consumer Guide.
•At least 50% of oils used in food preparation are non-GMO.
•100% of entrees contain at least one serving vegetables that is not juiced, deep-fried, or sweetened.
•None of the pre-packaged food items sold include ingredients from Eat REAL’s list of unacceptable ingredients.
“The Plant Café has never wavered in their commitment to serving delicious, healthy food. We are thrilled to see them earn the first ever Eat REAL Platinum Certified mark,” said Caesare Assad, COO of Eat REAL. “By providing transparency on their excellent sourcing and food preparation methods, they have effectively raised the bar for fast-casual dining in the Bay Area.