The Nation - News from Sept. 11, 1989

Representatives of hundreds of grocery stores and chains plan to sign a pledge today to stop selling foods treated with certain pesticides. But a major U.S. food industry group has already labeled the effort “economic terrorism” and warned its member grocery stores that signing the agreement could expose them to charges of violating antitrust law. Participating stores include Petrini’s Supermarkets Inc., a 23-store chain based in San Francisco, and ABCO Supermarkets Inc. of Phoenix. The anti-pesticide campaign raises a host of antitrust concerns, according to a Food Marketing Institute memorandum. Stores signing the pledge could be construed as taking part in a boycott of certain farm goods.