USDA Tests Find Unapproved Pesticides on Cilantro

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reportedly found at least 34
unapproved pesticides on cilantro samples during routine testing. According
to the agency’s recently issued 2009 Pesticide Data Program report, 94
percent of the 184 samples tested in a rotating selection of produce came up
positive for at least one pesticide.

With no definite answers as to why the cilantro samples contained pesticide
residues, government researchers have suggested that growers may have
confused guidelines for cilantro with those for flat-leaf parsley, which is
approved for more pesticides. Asserting that they will take follow-up action,
some industry leaders are equally puzzled. “It’s something we need to look
into,” Kathy Means of the Produce Marketing Association was quoted as
saying. “We need to determine: Why this year, why this crop? What’s going
on?” See Chicago Tribune, May 31, 2011.