For Immediate Release: September 30, 2004
Contact: Laura Gentile (gentile.laura@epa.gov) - 415/947-4227 (desk) or 415/760-9161 (cell)
Press Office Main Line: (415) 947-8700
Part of three-state action totalling $748,000
SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking a penalty of up to $357,000 from Rizing Sun of Peoria, Ariz. for allegedly selling and distributing unregistered and misbranded pet products, a violation of federal pesticide law.
The EPA is also announcing similar enforcement cases in Hawaii and Southern California today. Combined, the three cases amount to $748,000 in fines against producers and sellers of counterfeit, mislabeled, and unregistered pet products in the three states.
Rizing Sun, of Peoria, Ariz., illegally sold and distributed unregistered versions of “Frontline” -- a popular flea and tick control product used on dogs and cats. The pesticides appear to have been unlawfully imported and look similar to legitimately registered pesticides sold in the United States. State inspectors discovered the illegal products at various retail stores in Hawaii, Pennsylvania, and Georgia and traced the products back to Rizing Sun.
“We are keeping a close watch throughout the Western U.S. and beyond to penalize companies that are producing and selling illegal pesticides,” said Enrique Manzanilla, director of the EPA’s cross media division for the Pacific Southwest region. “These products can endanger pets and their owners and undercut legitimate businesses that have registered their products and included the proper safety labelling. The EPA will continue to pursue those trafficking in illegal pesticides.”
The EPA’s pesticide regulations require registration and approved labels on all pesticide products before they are sold in the United States. Pesticides registered with the agency have an EPA registration number on the label.
The EPA will not register a pesticide without information that shows it will not pose an unreasonable risk when used according to the directions. The agency ensures that pesticide labels provide consumers with the information they need to use the products safely.
For more information, visit the EPA’s Web sites on illegal pesticides and illegal pet products, at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/illegalproducts/ or at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/petproduct.htm
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