EPA Orders a Stop Sale of pesticide used to kill bacteria on cutting tools

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Stop Sale, Use, or Removal Order (SSURO) to Hampton Manufacturing, Inc., located in Fayetteville, GA, to stop the sale of “Antibacterial H-42 Clean Clippers,” a pesticide used to kill bacteria and HIV-1 (AIDS Virus) on cutting tools such as clipper blades, shears and manicure implements.

The SSURO was issued to Hampton Manufacturing, Inc. for selling and distributing a pesticide that was misbranded and whose composition differed from the stated percentage of active ingredient in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Specifically, testing revealed that the pesticide contained less than the stated amount of the active ingredient. Additionally, some labels had directions for use of the product in a spray application. The only directions for use, approved by the EPA, require the clipper blades, shears and manicure implements to be placed directly into the liquid product.

Before selling or distributing any pesticide in the United States, companies must register the pesticide formulation and label with the EPA. Each producer, seller and distributor is required, under federal law, to ensure that the registered pesticide is formulated and labeled in accordance with EPA requirements.