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EPA CITES COMPANY FOR UNP ROVEN CLAIMS ABOUT SAFETY OF VEGETABLE RINSE

Release Date: 9/27/1999
Contact Information: Randy Wittorp, (415)744-1589

     LOS ANGELES -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited Sunrider International of Torrance, California, for selling unregistered pesticides and making unproven claims about their effectiveness, in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).  U.S. EPA is seeking $99,000 in penalties.  

     In the complaint issued on Sept. 27, 1999, Sunrider International was cited for selling an unregistered fruit and vegetable wash, called SunSmile Fruit and Vegetable Rinse, claiming that the product rinses away parasites and their eggs, bacteria, and  fungus. The company is working with the EPA to resolve these issues, and has notified the agency that it has removed the claims from product labels and advertising.
     
     Manufacturers who claim their product will control pests must register the product with the EPA.  Pests include bacteria and parasites.  Products used to kill bacteria and parasites on people or animals are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, but when used for any other purpose, such as rinsing fruits and vegetables, these products must be registered by EPA.

     The EPA will not register a pesticide until it has been tested to show that it will not pose an unreasonable risk when used according to the directions.  The agency also makes sure that pesticide labels provide consumers with the information they need to use the products safely. Pesticides that have been approved by the agency will also have an EPA registration number on the label.

     "Consumers are concerned about food safety, and pesticide registration gives them an important tool to protect their families," said Pamela Cooper, chief of the Pesticides Program for EPA's western region. "Any time a product claims to get rid of a pest, consumers should look for the EPA registration number on the product labeling, and follow the directions for safe use."

       The civil complaint is based on inspections conducted by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.  The complaint is part of a national initiative to prevent the marketing of unregistered products with unverified public health claims.

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