Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says his office has launched a statewide investigation into claims that major grocery chains are spraying organic fruits and vegetables with pesticides without informing customers.
The Texas Attorney General’s Office alleges some grocery stores are using Produce Maxx, an Environmental Protection Agency-registered antimicrobial pesticide, on produce before it reaches store shelves and while it is on display. The office has not named the stores under investigation.
Paxton argues consumers are not being properly notified that the product is being applied, particularly on organic fruits and vegetables.
“Many Texans choose organic produce specifically to avoid harmful pesticides,” said Attorney General Paxton. “It’s not only wrong for grocers to mislead consumers about chemicals being sprayed on their food—it may very well be illegal. There should be no shortcuts when it comes to food safety, and my office will ensure that Texas consumers are not misled about the state of the produce they purchase.”
According to the EPA, any product that claims to kill pests is classified as a pesticide, though Produce Maxx is not in the same category as products made with synthetic chemicals. Federal law allows its active ingredient, hypochlorous acid, to be used on organic foods.
The attorney general’s office is demanding that any Texas grocery store using the product post clear signage informing customers the produce has been sprayed with a pesticide and explaining how it can be rinsed off before consumption.
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