On June 10, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported the detection of an unauthorized substance, monocrotophos, in prickle pear, specifically in various forms of edible fruit and stems. This finding has raised significant concerns regarding food safety and contamination.
Monocrotophos is an organophosphate pesticide that is not permitted for use in certain food products. The presence of this contaminant in prickle pear can pose a risk to consumers, highlighting the importance of monitoring and regulating food safety standards.
The incident originated in France, where the contaminated prickle pear was identified. The detection falls under the category of control incidents, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the agricultural and food distribution sectors.
The FDA has classified this issue under the hazard category of contaminants, indicating that it poses a potential health risk. Consumers are advised to be aware of this situation and to seek information regarding the safety of their food products.
This occurrence underscores the ongoing challenges faced in ensuring the safety of edible fruits and vegetables and the need for rigorous testing and compliance in the food supply chain.