EPA settles with Target on pesticide violations

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has filed a consent agreement and final order with Target Corp., on alleged violations of federal rules on the labeling, distribution and sale of pesticide products. A $40,950 penalty has been assessed against the company as part of the settlement.

According to EPA, Target sold and distributed unregistered pesticides from its stores and on its Web site. The products are Antimicrobial Toilet Seats, three sizes of Home Ultimate Mattress Pads, Home Ultimate Pillows and Cleaner With Bleach. The toilet seats, mattress pads and pillows made “germ-killing” claims. The Cleaner With Bleach compared the product’s properties to a similar, registered disinfectant bathroom cleaner sold by a competitor. An inspector found the violations in April. Target is removing the pesticidal claims from these products.

EPA registers all pesticides and pesticide products under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. Pesticides include disinfectants and antimicrobial and antibacterial products. For more information on pesticides, go to http://www.epa.gov/reg5rcra/ptb/pest.