A statewide investigation has been launched accusing unnamed grocery stores of failing to inform consumers about the spray.
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton claims that major grocery chains are spraying organic fruits and vegetables with pesticides.
A statewide investigation has been launched by the Texas Attorney General’s Office, which accuses unnamed grocery stores of failing to inform consumers about the pesticide spray.
The attorney general’s office is looking into stores that use Produce Maxx, which is an EPA-registered antimicrobial pesticide. The spray is typically applied to fruits and vegetables before they reach shelves and while they are on display.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, any product that claims to kill pests is registered as a pesticide, however, it’s not in the same group as products with synthetic chemicals.
“Many Texans choose organic produce specifically to avoid harmful pesticides,” Paxton said in a statement. “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.”
Federal law also allows its active ingredient, hypochlorous acid, to be used on organic foods. The attorney general’s office is demanding any Texas grocery stores using the product to post signs that show the product has been sprayed with pesticide and how customers can rinse it out before eating it.