The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has reached a settlement with a Southern California food importer involving illegal pesticide residues on produce from Mexico.
DPR Director Mary-Ann Warmerdam said Cal Fresco LLC of Buena Park was penalized $10,000 and agreed to implement control measures to prevent sales of produce with illegal pesticide residues in California.
The settlement was reached after tomatillos, Jalapeno peppers and cactus leaf imported from Mexico by Cal Fresco earlier this year tested positive for insecticides that are not registered for use on these crops. Although illegal, the residues were at such low levels they did not pose a health risk.
“This settlement underscores our commitment to enforce pesticide laws designed to ensure safety of the food supply,” Warmerdam said. “Our residue monitoring program is the strongest of its kind in the nation and targets both California-grown fruits and vegetables and fresh produce imported from anywhere in the world.”
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