The conventional greenhouse / container plant industry uses a great deal of
chemicals that are not good to eat but make plants "marketable." There are
pre-emergent herbicides, growth regulators to reduce internodal elongation
(that's why you have a compact plant with lots of peppers), systemic and
contact pesticides. Enjoy the look of the plants, and perhaps save some seeds.
If they're not hybrids, you might get some pretty edibles in the next
generation.
[permaculture] "Edible" Ornamentals,
Paul A Cross, 11/15/2006