SACRAMENTO – (INT) - State health officials are warning people against eating cactus pads, or nopales, imported from Mexico sold at specific retail and wholesale locations around the state due to the presence of unapproved pesticides.

Samples collected by California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) inspectors found 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.

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.”

DPR sampled contaminated cactus pads that were offered for sale to consumers and wholesale customers between January 23-29 at the following locations:
• Stater Bros. Distribution Center, San Bernardino
• 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 removed the cactus pads it could locate from store shelves and distribution centers. The tainted produce was packaged with the brand names “Mexpogroup Fresh Produce,” “Aramburo,” or “Los Tres Huastecos”.
Brian Leahy, DPR director, said “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.”

Washing or peeling the cactus is not effective.

Story Date: February 20, 2018