Capsicum

We've been given an ornamental pepper plant, complete with peppers on it. Capsicum NOS (not otherwise specified). the tag says "Warning. Fruit is not edible."
Why not?

 

My guess would be a systemic pesticide had been applied to the soil.

 

Thank JK. Do you think it would be persistant if I repotted a few times?

 

I imagine it would work its way out of the soil after some time but when is anybody's guess. Persistence and level of toxicity would depend on the pesticide used.

 

Well I guess I could dry the fruits, grind 'em up and use 'em for bear spray in the meantime.

 

You could always use the seed to start new, pesticide-free plants.

 

[joke]The other parts (besides fruit) are edible?
Then it can't be pesticide.[/joke]

I suppose that this warning is just a sign, that producer of these decorative plants doesn't comply with rules for food processing.

 

My initial thought was that it's a waste for an edible plant to be intentionally tainted in such a manner. However I suppose it's forgivable if it had been grown specifically for the ornamental market. Perhaps it's more expedient for the grower to apply a systemic as needed and the warning on the label is there just in case they do.