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U.S. EPA settles for $6,500 with Arizona company for importing a misbranded pesticide

Release Date: 09/08/2006
Contact Information: Francisco Arcaute, (213) 244-1815

SAN FRANCISCO – Gowan Company, of Yuma, Ariz. recently agreed to pay the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency $6,500 for allegedly importing misbranded bottles of Ultiflora, a pesticide used to control and kill mites, into the Port of Los Angeles, in violation of federal pesticide law.

The Gowan Company produces pesticides, and is located at 370 South Main Street, in Yuma. The bottles of Ultiflora lacked required labeling, such as directions for use and other safety information. The EPA learned of this violation through the "Notice of Arrival of Pesticides and Devices" form submitted for this shipment; according to federal regulations, a “Notice of Arrival” form must be submitted for all pesticides imported into this country.

"Companies must ensure that proper labeling is attached to the products they import and sell," said Enrique Manzanilla, the EPA's Communities and Ecosystems Division director for the Pacific Southwest Region. "Without proper labeling, the consumer will not know if the product has been registered with the EPA, and have no information on the effects of the products, which could result in harm to the consumer and the environment."

In addition to the fine, the Gowan Company must ensure that the product is properly re-labeled before selling or distributing it.

Companies that produce pesticides must register them with the EPA, as required by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. Registered pesticides will be labeled with an EPA registration number, directions for use, and other information to provide consumers with the information they need to use the products safely.

For more information on the EPA’s Pesticide program, please visit:
https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/local/region9/