California household goods maker settles with EPA for $250,000 over sale of unregistered disinfectants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a settlement with Gardena, Calif.-based US Jaclean Inc. over claims it illegally distributed or sold unregistered and misbranded disinfectants and other pesticide products.

The sale and distribution of such products violates the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Under the settlement, the company will pay a penalty of more than $250,000.

US Jaclean is a wholesaler of consumer health and wellness products, including household goods. Following EPA inspections of the company’s distribution centers in Hawaii and California, the EPA found that it illegally distributed or sold products that made claims such as “effective against bacteria,” “disinfectant,” and “antibacterial,” as well as “nontoxic.” and safe.”

Products that claim to kill or reduce bacteria or sanitize must be registered with the EPA before they can be sold. Products also cannot claim to be “non-toxic and safe,” which is considered false or misleading language under FIFRA.

TOPICS
Pollution in California