California cannabis regulators have expanded product recalls following the mysterious death of a farm worker at a massive marijuana cultivation facility in Lake County.
The state Department of Cannabis Control issued mandatory product recalls after investigators uncovered severe safety and environmental violations at Joel Michaely Farms.
Law enforcement reported that 46-year-old Yufang Lan was brought to a local hospital in cardiac arrest by an unidentified man on Aug. 21.
Lan subsequently died in intensive care on Aug. 27.
According to an official affidavit, authorities believe Lan died following an “occupational pesticide exposure” while working at the agricultural property.
Following the fatal incident, state regulators shut down the agricultural facility on Sept. 8 and suspended its operating license.
State investigators disclosed that the site committed widespread regulatory infractions, including untagged plants, unaccounted inventory, tracking failures, and pesticide violations.
Regarding health hazards, officials pulled four commercial cannabis items deemed “adulterated” because they were “produced under unsanitary conditions”.
The recalled inventory includes Iced infused flower, Tree House Flower, Martini’s Pre-Roll, and Cali Lean Tincture distributed across California.
When officers executed a search warrant on Aug. 31, investigators discovered 55,069 cannabis plants and 6,000 pounds of processed marijuana.
Commenting on toxic hazards, officials seized “approximately 20,000 gallons of contaminated liquid requiring specialized disposal”.
Inspectors also found hoophouses equipped with cans of fumigant pesticide “Real-Kill Indoor Fogger” placed along crop rows.
Describing chemical violations, agents discovered “several different bottles of illicit foreign labeled pesticides” alongside three unapproved commercial chemicals.
The unauthorized chemicals included Eagle 20, Sanmite SC, and Altus, which state regulations strictly ban from commercial marijuana cultivation.
Detailing labor conditions, investigators observed roughly 15 laborers residing on the property in cramped housing with “moldy walls”.
Addressing compensation, the onsite manager told investigators that workers received no wages because turning a profit “could take years”.