Pesticide found on eggs, candy from Mohave Valley Easter egg drop
Apr 5, 2018, 8:16 PM
PHOENIX –Health officials are advising people throw out candy-filled plastic eggs that were distributed at an event at a Mohave Valley park after testing showed traces of pesticide on an egg and candy.
According to the test results, traces of a substance called dimethoate were found on the plastic egg and candy from the March 24 event at Mohave Valley Community Park.
The Mohave Valley Fire Department said in a Facebook post last weekend that the plane used to drop candy during the Mohave Valley Community Park Egg Drop was used for agricultural purposes.
The plane was reportedly scrubbed multiple times before event organizers used it, but the Mohave County Department of Public Health said as a precaution, the candy should not be consumed.
Health officials said the eggs and candy should be disposed of in a trash container to avoid any further contact.
Anyone who touched the eggs was recommended to wash their hands and their clothing as a precaution.
However, there was good news: There have been no illnesses reported that were related to the egg drop event.
Anyone who did come in contact with the eggs or candy and experienced nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating or urination should seek medical assistance immediately.
Patty Mead, the department’s director, said in a statement sent out Wednesday that the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center has confirmed there is no delayed onset of symptoms and no long-term effects.
If residents have any questions or concerns, they are encouraged to contact the poison control line at 800-222-1222.
According to The Daily Courier, approximately 30,000 eggs were dropped at the annual event.
Mohave Valley is located west of Prescott near the California border, about 230 miles from Phoenix.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
