EPA settles with ABC Corporation for $52,000 for pesticide violations

HONOLULU - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently settled with ABC Corporation of Waipahu for $52,000 for allegedly distributing an antimicrobial disinfectant
that failed effectiveness testing, a violation of federal pesticide laws.

In March 2005, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture inspected the ABC facility, and collected samples of Fresh and Clean, produced through an agreement with Lonza, Inc., of Allendale, N.J.

Test results found the product was ineffective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and did not meet its labeling claim of being suitable for hospital use. Once notified of the failure, ABC stopped distributing the product.

“Hospital disinfectants must meet specific efficacy requirements, which Fresh and Clean does not,” said Katherine Taylor, associate director of the Communities and Ecosystems Division for the EPA’s Pacific Southwest region. “If claims are made and the product fails testing for its effectiveness, the company can expect significant penalties.”

Disinfectants are considered pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, which regulates the production, distribution, and use of pesticides within the United States. Before selling or distributing any pesticide in the U.S., a company must register it with the EPA. As part of the registration process, the company must ensure the pesticide meets claims made on its label.