On Jan 30, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with several companies regarding claims of distribution or sale of unregistered disinfectants and other products, including purported antimicrobials. Sale and distribution of these unregistered products violates the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Under the settlement, these companies will pay a total of $663,081 in penalties.
During routine inspections, EPA discovered that various unregistered products at relevant stores that claims as "effective against bacteria" and "antibacterial". According to FIFRA, products that claim to kill or mitigate pests, including those of a microbial nature, must be registered before sale in the US. Companies that sell illegal disinfectants and other such items will face significant fines.
EPA emphasizes that pesticide products including disinfectants claiming publich health, can only be made following proper testing and registration with the EPA. The agency will not register such an item until it has been determined that the product will not pose an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment. Unregistered products can be harmful to human health, cause adverse effects, and may not be effective against the spread of germs.
The registration and labeling requirements under FIFRA aim to safeguard human health and the environment by ensuring these products are tested in accordance with specific guidelines and can be safely used for their intended purposes. The registration process involves scientific, legal, and administrative procedure, and EPA may examine the ingredients of relevant products; instructions, frequency, and timing of its use; and storage and disposal practices.
