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U.S. EPA FINES SUNRIDER FOR FOOD PREPARATION PRODUCT VIOLATION

Release Date: 3/3/2000
Contact Information: Randy Wittorp, U.S. EPA, 415-744-1589

     Unproven Claims can threaten Food Safety

     SAN FRANCISCO   The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today fined Sunrider International of Torrance, Calif. $79,200 for making unproven claims about a product and for selling and distributing an unregistered product used in home food preparation.

Unregistered Means Unknown...

     Sunrider sold and distributed an unregistered product called Sunsmile Fruit and Vegetable Rinse, making unproven claims that the product would rinse away bacteria, parasites and fungus.  Sunrider has agreed to bring its product into compliance by removing pesticidal claims.

     "Unregistered means unknown: we don't know what's in it and we don't know how it will affect people," said Pamela Cooper, chief of the Pesticides Section at the EPA's regional office.  "The EPA is concerned about any companies that are making false or misleading claims about their product's capabilities.  And we fully intend to take action against these products."

     The EPA recommends that consumers not rely on anti-bacterial claims as a substitute for following common-sense hygienic practices, like washing hands frequently and thoroughly, and washing any surface that contacts food.

Healthy, Sensible Food Practices

     Following are a few guidelines for home food preparation:

     Washing: Wash and scrub all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water.  Running water has an abrasive effect that soaking does not have.  This will help remove bacteria and traces of chemicals from the surface of fruits and vegetables and dirt from crevices.  Not all pesticide residues can be removed by washing.

     Peeling and trimming:  Peel fruits and vegetables when possible to reduce dirt, bacteria, and pesticides.  Discard outer leaves of leafy vegetables.  Trim fat from meat and skin from poultry and fish because some pesticide residues collect in fat.

     Selecting a variety of foods:  Eat a variety of foods, from a variety of sources.  This will give you a better mix of nutrients and reduce your likelihood of exposure to a single pesticide.

Registration Protects Consumers...

     The EPA will not register a pesticide until it has been tested to show that it will not pose a risk when used according to the directions.  Consumers should be careful to look for the EPA registration number on product labels, and to follow the directions for safe use.

     This is the second case the EPA has recently settled involving fruit and vegetable washes.  Last summer, the EPA settled with Alterna Inc., of Carson, Calif. for the product Organiclean Fruit and Vegetable Wash for making similar claims.  

     This civil complaint is based on inspections conducted by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.  The complaint is part of the EPA's ongoing effort to prevent the marketing of  unregistered pesticides.

     For further information, visit the EPA's pesticide Right-to-Know Website at www.epa.gov/pesticides/food or call the National Pesticide Telecommunications Network at 800-858-7378.