Question

The "water" spray that grocery stores use to keep produce fresh is actually a toxic pesticide.

Comments

Grocery stores do have misters over produce but it isn't a toxic pesticide. It is treated water, that has been filtered to remove any impurities that could cause harm to our health. It is used to enhance produce freshness, reduce spoilage, and increase produce weight according to pure water tech online.

https://purewater-tech.com/2022/08/3-reasons-why-grocery-stores-have-misters-over-the-produce/#:~:text=Spraying%20the%20produce%20increases%20the,before%20it%20starts%20getting%20old.

Answer 1

"the social media posts are inaccurate to describe ProduceMaxx as an herbicide, fungicide, insecticide or antibiotic, said Nigel Glennie, a spokesperson for Ecolab, the parent company of ChemStar, which makes ProduceMaxx."

https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2024/apr/11/instagram-posts/videos-misrepresent-producemaxx-antimicrobial-wash/

This excerpt is taken from PolitiFact, a fact checking website that I found doing my research. Here is ChemStar's product page for ProduceMaxx that restates its FDA compliance. 

https://chemstarcorp.com/produce/

The claim the TikTok creator made was that ProduceMaxx is a toxic pestice. While it is a pesticide, it is not toxic for the body and has been approved by the FDA for use in grocery stores for its intended purpose.

Answer 2

While grocery store mist water is indeed not only water, the chemicals/additives aren't pesticides. They are filtration chemicals and chlorine, which act to kill bacteria on produce.

https://purewater-tech.com/2022/08/3-reasons-why-grocery-stores-have-misters-over-the-produce/#:~:text=Grocery%20stores%20only%20use%20treated,be%20present%20in%20the%20water.

Comments

This is factually incorrect and the while the water may contain things other than water it has ben proven to not be harmful for human consumption.

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This is false. While it isn't purely chemicals in the water, the there are antimicrobials that aren't healthy for human consumption. The microbials eliminate bacteria and foodborne pathogens, but they are still harmful.

Answer 3

https://greenpointdist.com/how-do-grocery-stores-have-fresh-fruit-all-year-round/

Produce is washed but it is washed with water and sometimes a produce-safe soap. Also, some stores may use edible wax to keep their food looking and being fresh. This claim is likely misinformation.

Comments

Your fact-check isn't addressing the actual spray/mist. It's great to add a bit of context and information surrounding the topic, like you did, but also explicitly address the claim. Thanks!

Answer 4

No, I used to work at Fred Meyers and they use just water 

FDA's model codes to the states specify that retail food outlets maintain plumbing and other equipment in a safe and sanitary condition. After the FDA was notified of the outbreak, it asked state regulatory agencies to notify all retail food stores that reservoir tank-type misting machines used to spray water on produce should be checked immediately and thoroughly cleaned and sanitized once a week.

https://cga.ct.gov/PS94/rpt%5Colr%5Chtm/94-R-0078.htm

Comments

It's great that you used your personal experience as a source for your fact-check! Also, adding a quote related to the FDA and regulations surrounding the matter strengthens your fact-check.

Answer 5

Many times, the water sprayed on produce at a grocery store does have small doses of other chemicals in it. This however does not mean that these things are now toxic and unedible. The produce and water do not have the be disposed of in a special food. The chemicals in the water are safe and only help the consumers to not buy expired foods. 

EthicalFoods.com - What you need to know about chemicals sprayed on produce after harvest

Answer 6

Produce maxx is normally mixed with water and used to reduce bacteria. Which does contain pesticides.

https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/046597-00004-20210624.pdf

https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/046597-00004-20190923.pdf

Comments

Don't forget to source your information. For instance "According to XXXXX, Produce Maxx is mixed with water and used to reduce bacteria..."

Answer 7

Produce Maxx is meant to help keep produce fresh by killing and reducing bacteria that could cause health issues if digested. it's used to increase shelf life and prevent cross-contamination, but all produce must be washed thoroughly before consumption.

https://chemstarcorp.com/produce/

Comments

Don't forget to mention your source in-text. For instance "According to XX, Produce Maxx is meant to..."

Answer 8

most grocery stores use only water with some using a mix of water and a little bit of soap but it does not contain toxic pesticides.

https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2024/apr/11/instagram-posts/videos-misrepresent-producemaxx-antimicrobial-wash/#:~:text=ProduceMaxx%20is%20EPA%2Dregistered%20as,used%20on%20food%20labeled%20organic.

Comments

Nice work finding a legitimate fact-checking organization who debunked the claim. Going forward, mention in-text where you found your information. Also, select a rating such as true, false, N/A, etc.

Answer 9

The grocery store mist mentioned in the video, Produce Maxx, isn't a pesticide. It is antimicrobial produce wash to kill the bacteria. This video is misleading, since this wash isn't a pesticide or any other harmful chemical. 

US-Z8-921575-PRODUCEMAXX (Chemstar).pdf (ecolab.com)

Comments

Next time mention your source within the text. Thanks!

Answer 10

There are times when there is more than just water in the spray bottles that grocery stores use to spray their produce. The water in the bottles go through a filtration process that remove impurities that can harm people. Chlorine is sometimes used to kill different bacteria, but there are not pesticides in the water.

Comments

What's your source? Always mention it in-text and leave a URL link. Thanks!