Texas Attorney General’s Settlement on Grocery Store Practices
Recently, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a significant settlement related to an investigation into the use of antibacterial pesticides at grocery stores across the U.S. The inquiry revealed that many stores were employing these pesticides in their produce systems, leading to a ban on certain Texas stores from selling organic products.
Paxton, a Republican, shared details of the settlement on Tuesday. The investigation began in January 2026 and concentrated on major grocery chains in Texas. It looked into an in-store misting system utilizing ProduceMaxx, an EPA-approved antibacterial pesticide with hypochlorous acid, known for its bacteria-reducing properties and for supposedly extending the shelf life of fresh produce. However, Paxton emphasized that this chemical was being applied to products labeled as “organic,” often without customers being aware of it.
As part of a legally binding agreement known as the Voluntary Compliance Warranty (AVC), all grocery stores owned by Albertsons in Texas are now banned from applying ProduceMaxx or any synthetic pesticides on organic items via misting systems for a period of up to 90 days. Moreover, employees must rinse all organic produce with clean water post-application to comply with USDA organic standards.
“This is a huge win for Texans looking to avoid the use of synthetic pesticides when purchasing organic produce,” Paxton stated. “We applaud Albertsons for changing course and signing this historic agreement that will help ensure transparency in Texas by requiring stores to stop spraying organic produce with pesticides.”
Despite this development, Albertsons did not acknowledge any violation of laws or wrongdoing. In the settlement, the company denied the attorney general’s claims, insisting they followed all food safety and organic standards, but opted to settle to avoid the costs associated with lengthy legal battles.
On the same day he announced the settlement, Paxton also garnered support from former President Donald Trump in the Republican Senate primary runoff against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.
Looking ahead, Paxton expressed his intention to endorse the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, which was championed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his time as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.
In his announcement, Paxton also recognized Texas grocer HEB and national health chains like Whole Foods and Natural Grocers for their commitment to avoiding antimicrobial treatments in organic displays. He encouraged competitors like Sprouts Farmers Market to join this initiative for transparency.
The Albertsons brand in Texas encompasses various stores, including Albertsons Market, Randall’s, Tom Thumb, United Supermarkets, Market Street, United Express, Market Street Express, and Amigos.
