Pesticides Found In Nopales That May Have Been Shipped To Nevada

The California Department of Public Health is warning consumers to not eat cactus pads, or nopales, that have been imported from Mexico. The agency says some of the tainted nopales may have been sold to stores in Nevada.

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation confirmed pesticides were present during an inspection and issues the warning on Wednesday. The pesticides include dimethoate, omethoate, monocrotophos and methidathion, at levels that pose a health risk to humans. Two of the pesticides, monocrotophos and methidathion, have been banned for food use in the United States for years.

"Anyone feeling ill after consuming cactus products should consult their health care provider," said CDPH Director and State 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 samples were taken Jan. 23-29 at the following locations in California:

• 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

Besides just California, the product may have reached Nevada, as well as Oregon, due to some samples being taken from distribution centers. The tainted produce was packaged with the brand names "Mexpogroup Fresh Produce," "Aramburo," or "Los Tres Huastecos."

Washing or peeling the cactus is not effective and people should not try to salvage any of this contaminated produce. Throw it away or return it to the market where you purchased it for a refund.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been alerted about the tainted nopales.

Patch reporter Bea Karnes contributed to this report. Image via Shutterstock