Dallas – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a new settlement that will prohibit Sprouts Farmers Market from applying the synthetic antimicrobial pesticide ProduceMaxx to any produce sold in its stores across the United States. The agreement, reached on September 21, 2026, requires Sprouts to stop all misting, washing, or “crisping” applications of ProduceMaxx on both conventional and organic items within 90 days.

Why the settlement matters

Paxton’s office launched an investigation in January 2026 after receiving reports that grocery chains were using ProduceMaxx – a chlorine‑based antimicrobial registered with the Environmental Protection Agency – to extend shelf life and control bacteria on produce, including organic items. The agency’s findings indicated that the product was being used off‑label in misting systems without consumer knowledge, raising concerns about transparency and consumer safety.

Details of the agreement

Under the settlement, Sprouts must:

• Cease all spraying of ProduceMaxx on any produce, whether conventional or organic, at every store nationwide.
• Eliminate any use of synthetic antimicrobial pesticides on organic produce, including misting, washing, or other application methods.
• Implement compliance checks within 90 days to verify that the ban is fully in effect.

The settlement mirrors a prior agreement Paxton reached earlier this year with Albertsons‑owned grocery stores in Texas, which also barred the use of ProduceMaxx on organic produce and required employees to rinse items with potable water after any treatment.

Paxton’s statement

“My office has now added Sprouts to the list of grocery stores that we have forced to stop secretly misting organic produce with synthetic pesticides,” Paxton said. “I will continue to protect consumers and ensure transparency, so that Texans can trust that they are buying clean products.”

Impact on shoppers

For Texas families and shoppers nationwide, the settlement means greater confidence that the produce they purchase has not been treated with undisclosed chemicals. The move aligns with the administration’s broader effort to safeguard food safety and uphold the right of consumers to know exactly what is on their plates.

Broader context

This action is part of a larger push by the Trump administration and state officials to enforce clear labeling and honest marketing practices across the food industry. By targeting synthetic antimicrobial pesticides, officials aim to preserve the integrity of organic standards and protect public health without imposing unnecessary regulatory burdens on businesses that comply with existing laws.

What’s next?

Paxton’s office will monitor Sprouts’ compliance and may pursue additional enforcement actions if the chain fails to meet the settlement terms. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed about product labeling and to report any concerns to the Attorney General’s consumer protection division.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.