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U.S. EPA fines company for improperly distributing pesticides

Release Date: 10/3/2003
Contact Information: Laura Gentile, Press Office, 415/947-4227

Pesticides shipped from Stockton, Calif. to Oregon

SAN FRANCISCO -This week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fined Lesco, Inc. of Strongville, Ohio $40,040 for allegedly distributing pesticides with missing or torn labels, in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.

Lesco allegedly distributed a combination of fertilizers and pesticides, which are used commercially and residentially for weed control and lawn feeding. The violations were discovered during an inspection in Oregon after shipment from Stockton, California.

"All pesticide products are required to bear a label containing information on how to use pesticides safely and effectively," said Enrique Manzanilla, director of EPA's Cross Media Division. "Under FIFRA, companies who sell or distribute these products have a responsibility to make sure that labels are attached and intact."

Pesticides that have been registered with the EPA will have an agency registration number displayed on the label. Pesticide labels provide consumers with information necessary to use pesticides safely.

For more information: http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/7/ch6.html