Claims Filed for Watermelon Recall Losses
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FRESNO — About 150 growers, packers, brokers and retailers have filed claims with the state for losses suffered during the summer watermelon recall.
The claims seek money for spoiled melons, lost and delayed sales, labor and other expenses linked to the Fourth of July weekend recall after minor illnesses were reported among watermelon eaters.
A bill by Assemblyman Norm Waters (D-Plymouth) that was signed by Gov. George Deukmejian last week establishes state responsibility for the recall, but an aide to Waters said Friday that legislation will be needed next year to pay the liability claims.
Claims have been filed with the state Board of Control, which must decide which claims are valid and fix amounts of reimbursement.
The state Food and Agriculture Department has asked for civil complaints against three Kern County growers suspected of using the pesticide aldicarb on their watermelon crops. Growers are barred from using aldicarb on watermelons. Traces of its residue were blamed for the melon-related illnesses.
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