Pesticide Levels Exceeded Standards in Exported Berries
A former employee alleged that exported berries contained pesticide levels above established regulatory limits.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Organic Food
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A former employee filed a lawsuit alleging that Driscoll's exported berries to Canada between 2022 and 2024 with pesticide levels that exceeded Canadian Food Inspection Agency standards. The agency subsequently confirmed that the company's berries contained higher-than-permissible levels of chemicals.
Why it matters
This case highlights the importance of international food safety oversight for produce. Ensuring that imported food meets specific national chemical residue standards is essential to maintaining public health and consumer trust in safety protocols.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed that berries exported between 2022 and 2024 contained higher-than-permissible levels of three specific pesticides: bifenthrin, iprodione, and captan. Investigators have determined that adverse health effects would require the consumption of 19 kilograms.
The players
Driscoll's
A California-based agricultural company that produces and distributes berries grown in regions including Mexico.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
The federal agency responsible for delivering inspection and quarantine services to ensure food safety in Canada.
David Harada
A former employee of the company who filed a lawsuit regarding pesticide standards.
The details
The chemical residues were linked to alleged over-spraying practices and the removal of specific food safety compliance parameters for berries destined for the Canadian market. Driscoll's has stated that it has since amended its controls to ensure its production and shipping processes align with Canadian regulatory requirements. The company is also facing a separate class-action lawsuit from six plaintiffs in the United States regarding PFAS on strawberries.
Timeline
The berries were exported between 2022 and 2024.
A separate class-action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. earlier this year.
Health Landscape
This situation underscores the regulatory oversight required to enforce the Canadian Food Inspection Agency pesticide standards across international supply chains. It serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in maintaining uniform safety benchmarks for produce grown in different global regions.
If you have concerns about pesticide residues in your produce, check local labeling and safety certifications during your grocery shopping. It is worth discussing any specific concerns regarding chemical exposure with your doctor, particularly if you have pre-existing health conditions.
The takeaway
While pesticide residues remain a point of regulatory scrutiny, food safety agencies actively monitor compliance to mitigate consumer risk. If you are concerned about chemical exposure, prioritize washing your produce thoroughly and ask your primary care physician about current safety guidelines.
Further reading
Learn more about the current Organic Food standards for international produce safety.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBC News.
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