What happens to a commodity found to have residues of a pesticide not registered for that product?

When a commodity is found to have residues of a pesticide that is not registered for use on that product, it is classified as a public nuisance. This designation reflects the potential harm or risk that the unregistered pesticide residues pose to public health and safety. The presence of unregistered pesticide residues indicates that the product may not comply with safety standards set by regulatory authorities, such as the USDA or the Department of Pesticide Regulation in California.

The classification as a public nuisance serves to protect consumers and the environment by preventing the sale or use of potentially harmful products. This helps ensure that agricultural practices adhere to established safety standards and that products circulating in the market are safe for consumption. Other options, like storage for examination or offering a special exemption, do not adequately address the public safety implications associated with unregistered pesticide residues.