Karabetian Import and Export, Inc. settles federal pesticide violation

SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently reached a $4,680 settlement with Karabetian Import and Export, Inc., an importer and distributor of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean products, to resolve the alleged import and distribution of the unregistered pesticide, Dettol Antiseptic Germicidal.

The EPA alleged that Karabetian Import and Export, Inc., located at 2450 Crystal St. in Los Angeles imported and later sold the pesticide Dettol Antiseptic Germicidal to a Lincoln, Neb. retailer, in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

“Selling unregistered pesticides is a significant violation that can result in harm to public health and the environment” said Katherine Taylor, associate director of the EPA’s Community and Ecosystems Division for the Pacific Southwest Region. “Companies must register pesticides with the EPA before distributing and selling such products.”

The EPA regulates the manufacture, import, sale and use of pesticides. Distributors and retailers are responsible for ensuring that all pesticides distributed and/or sold fully comply with federal pesticide regulations.