US (CA): Pesticide dealers fined for illegal sales
The state dept. of pesticide regulation reports that the investigation it had to carry out as a result of the rogue sales resulted in the recall of 24 million pounds of peaches - valued at around $1.1 million.
Officials say Gar Tootelian Inc. and Britz-Simplot Grower Solutions LLC unlawfully sold Comite for treatment of peach mites.
Spot checks at farmers markets lad to the discovery of pesticide residues on fruit. Comite had actually been banned for use on peaches back in 1996, as it is potentially carcinogenic and toxic to amphibians and fish.
The state ordered Gar Tootelian to pay $60,000, and Britz-Simplot to pay $45,000. Both companies said Tuesday that they've since instituted new procedures.
Source: www.mercurynews.com
