The Truth About Grocery Store Misting

Oh oh... It's not just water!

You’re walking through the produce section.

That fresh mist sprays over the lettuce and kale. It looks like a spa day for vegetables.

That mist isn’t just water.

It’s a chemical solution called Produce Maxx, and it contains sodium hypochlorite, also known as liquid bleach.

Yep. Bleach.

Not the fresh start you were hoping for.

Grocery stores love Produce Maxx because it keeps produce looking crisp and extends shelf life.

It’s sprayed on organic and non-organic produce alike.

It doesn’t get rinsed off.

You’re not told about it.

And you're probably inhaling it.

Chemstar, the manufacturer, actually warns against breathing in the vapors, yet the system is designed to mist it into the air… where your nose, lungs, and salad-to-be live.

Oh, and one more thing… they’re legally protected if you’re harmed by it. That’s right, the label includes a lovely liability waiver.

You Might Be Thinking: “But It’s FDA Approved!”

Sure. So are Pop-Tarts and red dye #40.

Produce Maxx is EPA and FDA approved for use on all produce, including certified organic. It’s meant to kill bacteria and keep food looking good on the shelf.

But the concentration?

6,000 parts per million of free chlorine.

To compare:

Tap water = max 4 ppm

Swimming pool = 1 to 3 ppm

So what’s your kale swimming in again?

The real problem is even if you eat clean, buy organic, and prep your meals from scratch…

You’re still being exposed to unnecessary chemicals unless you wash your produce at home, with clean water, not bleach spray.

And yes, this stuff is everywhere:

Whole Foods

Safeway

Amazon Fresh

Sprouts

Albertsons

H-E-B

And more than 10,000 grocery stores in North America.

It’s not about panic. It’s about awareness.

If you’ve been feeling a little “off” and can’t figure out why, this might be part of it.

We’re not saying never shop at these stores. Just be smart.

Because at the end of the day…

Your health isn’t up for negotiation.

Dave’s Tip:

Always wash your fruits and veggies at home… even the pre-cut, organic stuff. If you can, soak produce in a bowl of clean water with a splash of white vinegar or baking soda for a few minutes. Rinse well.

And next time that mist sprays at you like it’s a Disney water ride…

Hold your breath and grab the dry stuff from the back.

Your body will thank you later.