Mexican Cactus Recall: Deadly Pesticides Found

The California Department of Health (CDPH) is currently warning residents not to eat cactus imported from Mexico as it could contain unapproved pesticides that were discovered during a routine surveillance sample--as much as 5.8 parts per million of Monocrotophos, an organophosate based pesticide that has been banned from use in the U.S. since 1989.

The product was sold at five markets in California, including La Superior SuperMercados in Sacramaento, Stockton, Woodland, and Pittsburg between 2/6/2014 and 2/12/2014; Mercado del Valle in Concord between 2/6/2014 and 2/12/2014; and La Sucursal Produce on Central Avenue in Los Angeles on 2/6/2014. It was also sold at Fresh American Produce on Mission Road in Los Angeles on 2/7/2014 and at J&L Produce on Central Avenue in Los Angeles on 2/6/2014, according to the health organization. 

While no cases of poisoning have been reported so far, it is still not advised to eat any of the contaminated material. While peeling and boiling the cactus can remove some of the chemical, according to officials, it is not recommended that it be consumed.

"CDPH and CDPR are working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to identify the growers and importers responsible for shipping pesticide contaminated cactus into the United States, so that future shipments can be examined and verified that they are in compliance before making their way into the marketplace," a California Department of Public Health news release reported. "CDPH recommends consumers experiencing any ill effects after consuming cactus products consult their health care provider. Consumers that observe the product being offered for sale are encouraged to report the activity to the CDPH toll free complaint line at (800) 495-3232."