U.S. EPA settles with SoCal mold prevention company for $11,700

LOS ANGELES - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a settlement with American Mold Guard, Inc., a San Juan Capistrano, Calif. mold prevention company, for $11,700 for alleged violations of federal pesticide law.

The EPA determined that the company, 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 its mold prevention 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
Katherine Taylor, Associate Director of the EPA’s 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.”

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 the EPA’s request. The settlement follows a Stop Sale, Use, and Removal Order that was issued earlier this year to prevent further distribution of the mislabeled pesticide until this matter could be resolved.

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