Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Ocean State Jobbers, Inc., doing business as Ocean State Job Lot, for alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The corporation, based in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, will pay a penalty of $53,500 to resolve allegations related to the importation, distribution, and sale of misbranded bug zapper pesticide devices.
"The consumer deserves accuracy and demands accountability when it comes to products they purchase," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This settlement serves as a reminder that thoroughness is required, and not merely a suggestion, and that anyone importing pesticide devices into the U.S. needs to follow the proper ground rules to do so legally."
The EPA alleged that Ocean State Job Lot imported, distributed or sold the misbranded bug zapper devices between February 2020 and April 2023. Bug zappers are regulated as "devices" under FIFRA because they use physical mechanisms such as electricity to trap, destroy, repel or mitigate pests. The bug zappers were deemed misbranded due to the absence of an EPA Establishment Number on their labels—a unique number assigned to the facility where these devices were produced. Additionally, Ocean State Job Lot failed to file the required Notices of Arrival for imports of these devices during this period.
Ocean State Job Lot operates a chain of discount retail stores across New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The company sells various products including household goods, apparel, pet supplies and seasonal items. It employs approximately 5,600 associates with annual sales exceeding $800 million.
For more information:
EPA Importing and Exporting Pesticides and Devices: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/importing-and-exporting-pesticides-and-devices
Pesticide Devices: A Guide for Consumers: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/pesticide-devices-guide-consumers
