California: Nopales (whole cactus leaves) and nopalitos (cactus leaves cut in strips or squares) have been recalled due to pesticide contamination.  These cactus leaves have been sprayed with a pesticide called Moncrotophos, banned here in the U.S. in since at least 1989 and tests show the chemical concentration measures at 5.8 parts per million, enough to make you sick.

The nopales were grown in Mexico and sold in San Francisco Bay Area, San Jose area and Los Angeles.  While washing, peeling and cooking will help remove some of the pesticide it is best to just throw it out.  See recall information >>