Grocery giant Whole Foods Market is facing sharp criticism from several quarters as it has prevented its employees from wearing poppies as it’s against their company procedures. Employees can only wear the company’s basic uniform which includes a Whole Foods apron, vest or coat, hat and a standard name tag. Their spokeswoman said that they didn’t single out poppies.

 “Whole Foods Market honours the men and women who have and continue to bravely serve their country,’” the spokeswoman said. “With the exception of those items required by law, our dress code policy prohibits any additions to our standard uniform. Ontario’s premier promised that they would bring in legislation to prohibit such a rule.

 The retailer said that they would observe a moment of silence on Remembrance Day and that they would donate to the Royal Canadian Legion’s poppy campaign.

 Earlier, Whole Foods had prevented its employees from wearing face coverings that said Black Lives Matter. They are being sued for this in the United States. According to the lawsuit, the store managers had mentioned the company dress code as the reason for disallowing the Black Lives Matter messages that employees sported to show solidarity with the movement.

 Source: The Associated Press, The Canadian Press, Moosejaw today