The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered Menard Inc. of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to immediately cease the sale and distribution of unregistered pesticides. This action is in response to violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
The EPA's order aims to halt the sale and distribution of two specific products: “Antimicrobial Filter” and “Allergen Filter.” These products are treated with unregistered pesticides and have been available for purchase online. Claims regarding their effectiveness against COVID-19 have also appeared on the company's website.
Federal law mandates that all pesticides undergo evaluation through the EPA’s registration process to ensure they perform as intended before being distributed or sold. The agency will only register a pesticide if it determines that the product does not pose an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment when used according to label directions. Properly registered products carry EPA-approved labels providing crucial safety and application information. Unregistered products, which have not been evaluated by the EPA, may not function as advertised or could mislead consumers.
For further details about EPA’s enforcement program or pesticide regulations, visit the agency’s official website.
