Texas Biotechnology Producer to Pay $253K Over Alleged Violations of Pesticide Regulations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) settled with Allied BioScience, Inc. (Allied BioScience) over alleged violations of federal pesticide regulations with the company’s SurfaceWise2 product, a residual antimicrobial surface coating. EPA investigations found the company was marketing, selling, and distributing SurfaceWise2 in ways that were inconsistent with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA’s regulations, and the terms and conditions of its emergency exemption authorizations, specifically with regard to the product’s claims about SARS-CoV-2 viruses.

“Pesticide laws protect people who use these products and ensure products work as they claim to. Companies must be held accountable when they violate these requirements,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “EPA’s pesticide and enforcement teams have worked hard throughout the pandemic to ensure products are registered and labeled correctly, especially pesticides that claim to fight viruses.”

Under the settlement, Allied BioScience agreed to a civil penalty of $253,032, based on the company’s financial ability. EPA previously issued a Stop Sale, Use or Removal Order (SSURO) to Allied BioScience for SurfaceWise2. The product was authorized for emergency use at specific sites in the states of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas to help address the COVID-19 pandemic. EPA investigations found the company was marketing, selling and distributing SurfaceWise2 outside of the terms and conditions of the emergency exemption authorizations.

Source: EPA

Topics Texas Legislation