August 9, 2004—On June 24, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lifted a restriction on the sale of three products made by 1st EnviroSafety Inc. of St. James, Florida. The company complied with a June 2 Order and removed all references to pesticidal properties from the products’ labels and removed all pesticidal claims from the company’s Web site. Specifically, the restriction on the sale and distribution of “Organic Cleaner/Degreaser (Military Strength); Industrial Cleaner & Degreaser; and ECCO Commercial All Purpose Colloidal Cleaner” has been lifted.
The June 2 Order remains in place for the following products: “Organic Veggie Wash; Yacht & Boat Bath (Organic); Any Floors #123; ECCO Dishwashing Machine Concentrate; Organic—Bath & Tile; Organic—Pet Care; and Organic—Multi-Purpose.”
Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), products claiming to prevent, destroy, or repel pests, including anthrax bacteria, are considered pesticides and must be registered with the EPA. The pre-market registration process requires a company to prove the product is safe and effective for consumer use before a legal claim can be made that it protects people and pets from illness caused by pests. EPA-registered products must bear the registration number on labeling, along with directions for use and any safety precautions.
