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California health officials deem Mexican cactus a health risk
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SACRAMENTO  (AP) — California health officials are warning people not to eat cactus sold in several stores around the state due to the presence of unapproved pesticides.

The state Department of Public Health said Sunday that a recent inspection of cactus imported from Mexico found traces of Monocrotophos, a pesticide that has been barred from use in the United States since 1989. Consumption of the pesticide can lead to neurotoxicity and permanent nerve damage.

The department is urging anyone who bought the contaminated product at the following stores between Feb. 6 and 12 to return it or get rid of it.

The cactus was sold at: La Superior SuperMercados in Sacramento, Stockton, Woodland and Pittsburg; Mercado del Valle in Concord; La Sucursal Produce, Fresh American Produce and J&L Produce in Los Angeles.