Whole Foods Reverses Its Stance After Controversial Poppy Decision

U.S.-based supermarket chain Whole Foods has reversed its decision to not allow its Canadian employees to wear poppies, a symbol that honors veterans. The move comes shortly before Remembrance Day on Nov. 11, which commemorates Canadians who have served in the armed forces.

"Just spoke to the Chief Operating Officer of Whole Foods. Employees will now be able to wear their poppies at work," Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay said on Twitter. "The poppy represents those who've served, fought, and died for Canada, and it's deeply personal to everyone here. Glad to hear they're changing course."

Whole Foods, which is owned by e-commerce giant Amazon, had previously stood by its uniform policy to not allow employees to wear the poppy. Whole Foods defended the move in a statement.

“Whole Foods Market honours the men and women who have and continue to bravely serve their country,” the company said, according to the New York Post. “We support Remembrance Day in all of our Canadian stores by observing a moment of silence on November 11th and by donating to the Legion’s Poppy Campaign. With the exception of those items required by law, our dress code policy prohibits any additions to our standard uniform.”

An employee at a Whole Foods location in Ottawa told CBC that a supervisor said wearing a poppy would be “supporting a cause.”

“I was basically told … if they allowed this one particular cause, then it would open up the door so that they would have to allow or consider allowing other causes,” the Whole Foods worker told the news outlet.

Canadian leaders had chided Whole Foods over the original poppy decision.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the supermarket chain made a “silly mistake that I hope they will correct quickly.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also slammed the move, calling it “disgusting and disgraceful.” Ford said he would push for legislation that would make it illegal for companies to prevent employees from wearing the poppy.

The poppy was originally adopted as Canada’s symbol of remembrance in 1921 and is intended to be worn on the left lapel during the two weeks up to Nov. 11. The poppies are distributed by the Royal Canadian Legion.