Pesticide Warning on Cucumbers, Red Bell Peppers Issued

Consumers should avoid eating ABC Brand cucumbers and red bell peppers purchased on or after Feb. 1 because the products may be contaminated with an unsafe level of pesticide, the state Department of Food and Agriculture announced late Tuesday.

Samples of the vegetables, which are imported from Mexico, contained 10 times the level of pesticide permitted by federal standards. The pesticide, methamidophos, cannot be removed by washing and can cause flu-like symptoms, including nausea, headache, and diarrhea.

State health officials say that the levels found in the ABC Brand produce are unlikely to lead to illness unless consumed in large quantities.

Several supermarket chains have told the state agency that they do not carry ABC Brand produce: Albertson’s, Boys, Hughes, Lucky, Pantry, Pavilions, Pavilion Places, Safeway and Von’s. Since individual items of produce are rarely labeled by brand, officials advised shoppers at other retailers to check with their local markets.