TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Feb. 13 (UPI) -- A state of Florida review board voted to reopen an investigation into a company accused of exposing migrant field workers to dangerous pesticides.
Ag-Mart, which produces canned fruits and vegetables under brand names such as Santa Sweets and Ugly Ripe, was first charged with the violations in 2005.
But, the case is flawed, analysts said. In 2005, the state charged Ag-Mart with 369 violations of state pesticide laws, the Raleigh (N.C.) News & Observer reported. Two administrative law judges recommended the number be dropped to 17 violations with fines reduced from the original $184,500 sought to $6,000.
At the time, Administrative Law Judge Beryl Wade said the state's evidence was flawed and tossed out 271 of the most serious cases, the report said.
On Tuesday, after eight hours of review, the state's Pesticide Board voted to reconsider the 271 cases.
"Those issues should have been addressed in a hearing," board member Robin Smith said.
The violations include sending workers into fields too quickly after pesticides were sprayed.
In 2004 and 2005, three Ag-Mart workers have born children with serious birth defects, the report said.
