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U.S. EPA orders Southern California company to stop distributing pesticide -- Sample bottles lacked safety information, directions for use

Release Date: 01/31/2007
Contact Information: Francisco Arcaute, (213) 244-1815, Cell: (213) 798-1404

(01/31/07) LOS ANGELES - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered a San Juan Capistrano, Calif.-company to stop distributing samples of a pesticide that lacked important safety information and directions for use.

The EPA determined that American Mold Guard, located at 30200 Rancho Viejo Road, had been repackaging AMG-X40 - a registered pesticide - into 2 oz. containers, and distributing them as samples to customers who received their mold remediation services. The samples were missing most of the pesticide's required labeling, including warnings against skin contact and first aid directions in case skin contact occurred.

"Federal law requires that pesticide labels carry appropriate use directions and warnings," said Enrique Manzanilla, director of the Communities and Ecosystems Division for the EPA's Pacific Southwest Region. "Consumers need the correct information to ensure that they are applying pesticide products safely and correctly."

American Mold Guard now faces possible fines of up to $6,500 per violation.

Producers, sellers, and distributors must ensure that pesticides are labeled with an EPA Registration Number, an EPA Establishment Number that identifies the production facility, information concerning the producer, directions for use and other safety information necessary to protect consumers and the environment.

This action was based on a December 2006 inspection conducted by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, at EPA's request.

For more information on pesticide regulation and enforcement, please visit EPA's Web site at: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/fifra/ .

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