Paxton settles with Sprouts over pesticide use

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton reached a settlement with Sprouts Farmers Market requiring the chain to stop using ProduceMaxx, a synthetic antimicrobial pesticide, on all produce nationwide within 90 days.

“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.”

Investigation began in January 2026

Paxton launched an investigation into Texas grocery stores after concerns emerged that synthetic pesticides were being applied to organic produce through in-store misting systems without consumer knowledge.

ProduceMaxx contains chlorine compound

ProduceMaxx is registered with the EPA as an antimicrobial pesticide containing hypochlorous acid, a chlorine-based compound used by thousands of stores nationwide to control bacteria and extend shelf life.

Off-label use on organic produce

Stores applied ProduceMaxx off-label through misting systems and washing processes on organic produce without informing consumers, violating regulations that prohibit synthetic pesticides on certified organic items.

Albertsons already settled with Paxton

Paxton previously secured a settlement with all Albertsons-owned grocery stores in Texas that prohibits synthetic antimicrobial pesticides on organic produce and requires rinsing with potable water after any treatment.

Consumer transparency and trust

Paxton said the settlement ensures Texans can trust they are buying clean products and that his office will continue protecting consumers by forcing transparency about what is applied to produce.

“I will continue to protect consumers and ensure transparency, so that Texans can trust that they are buying clean products.”