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 mist sprayed on to produce is treated water. The modification of the water is the filtration system it goes through. It also is treated with chlorine to kill any harmful bacteria. But neither of those are dangerous to humans. According to PolitiFact, ProduceMaxx, certified for use, is an antimicrobial pesticide but does not harm humans. The active ingredient in the spray, hypochlorous acid, is federally legal for use on organic foods. So no, no toxic pesticides are being sprayed onto grocery store produce.

https://purewater-tech.com/2022/08/3-reasons-why-grocery-stores-have-misters-over-the-produce/#:~:text=What%20Do%20Grocery%20Stores%20Spray,water%20to%20spray%20their%20produce.

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

Answer 2

Grocery Stores use misters because there is "no way to adsorb water from the ground," preventing fruits and veggies from wilting. Although certain produce does not need to be sprayed, other vegetables, such as lettuce, need to be sprayed in-order to not dry out and promote higher shelf-life. 
Additionally, the water that is used goes through a filtration process and is treated with chlorine to kill bacteria present in the water. Therefore, grocery stores do not use toxic pesticides. 

Source 1
Source 2