EPA ORDERS A STOP SALE OF ZEP, INC. DISINFECTANT FOR USE IN HOSPITALS

For Immediate Release:
April 20, 2012

EPA ORDERS A STOP SALE OF ZEP, INC. DISINFECTANT FOR USE IN HOSPITALS 

Contact Information:  Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

ATLANTA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Stop Sale, Use, or Removal Order (SSURO)
to Zep, Inc., located in Atlanta, GA, to stop the sale of “ZEP Formula 165,” a disinfectant intended for use in hospitals. Under EPA’s antimicrobial testing program, ZEP Formula 165 was evaluated, and it was determined that contrary to labeling claims, the product was ineffective against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis.

The SSURO was issued to Zep, Inc. for selling and distributing a misbranded pesticide in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Before selling or distributing any pesticide in the United States, companies must register the pesticide with the EPA. Each producer, seller and distributor is required, under federal law, to ensure that the registered pesticide is labeled in accordance with EPA requirements.

EPA’s is committed to ensuring that products in the marketplace meet stringent efficacy standards, since the public cannot readily ascertain with the naked eye the effectiveness of antimicrobial pesticides. Due to human health implications if the pesticides are not effective, EPA continues to place a priority on actions regarding non-complying antimicrobial pesticides.

FIFRA is a federal law that requires the registration of pesticide products and pesticide-production facilities, and the proper labeling of pesticides. This requirement protects public health and the environment by ensuring safe production, handling, and application of pesticides and by preventing false or misleading product claims.
For additional information about pesticides, visit: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/.

###