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California Issues Warning About Consuming Certain Cactus Imported from Mexico due to Health Risk

Contact: Charlotte Fadipe
916-445-3974 | Charlotte.Fadipe@cdpr.ca.gov
February 14, 2018 (18-03)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cactus

En Español

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today warned people not to eat cactus pads imported from Mexico sold at specific retail and wholesale locations around the state, due to the presence of unapproved pesticides.

Through routine monitoring of fresh produce, the cactus pads, or nopales, were found by DPR inspectors to have various pesticides, including dimethoate, omethoate, monocrotophos and methidathion, at levels that pose a health risk to humans. Both monocrotophos and methidathion have been banned for food use in the United States for several years.

"Many Californians eat cactus as part of their diet, but the pesticide levels we have found at some specific locations are concerning," said Brian Leahy, DPR director. "We are not aware of any illnesses that have been reported to date. But we suggest that anyone who bought this product from these locations recently, return it to the place of purchase or dispose of it in the garbage."

"Anyone feeling ill after consuming cactus products should consult their health care provider," said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. "The symptoms of acute poisoning may include sweating, headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting, hypersalivation, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Consumption of monocrotophos can lead to neurotoxicity and permanent nerve damage."

The contaminated cactus pads were offered for sale to consumers and wholesale customers between Jan. 23 and Jan. 29th at the following locations:

  • Rancho San Miguel Markets, Madera
  • La Monarca Market, Lower Lake
  • FreshPoint Central California, Turlock
  • Arteaga's Food Center, Sacramento
  • Stater Bros. Distribution Center, San Bernardino
  • S&L Wholesale Produce, San Francisco

DPR immediately took action to remove the products it could locate from store shelves and distribution centers. The products have been quarantined or destroyed so that they do not pose a threat to consumers. However, DPR believes it is possible that some of the contaminated cactus may have been sold to other stores in California, Nevada and Oregon. The tainted produce was packaged with the brand names "Mexpogroup Fresh Produce" or "Aramburo" or "Los Tres Huastecos".

Washing or peeling the cactus prior is not effective and people should not try to salvage any of this contaminated produce. CDPH and CDPR have alerted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about the issue.

Consumers that observe these products being offered for sale are encouraged to report the activity to the CDPH toll free complaint line at (800) 495-3232.


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