Aug. 3

The U.S. EPA has settled a third pesticide enforcement case against Lonza Inc., a manufacturer of hospital disinfectants, for multiple violations of the federal law that regulates pesticides.

Most recently, the New Jersey-based company agreed to pay more than $550,000 in fines for allegedly making misleading claims regarding the efficacy of two products. The settlement is one of the largest civil penalties assessed under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Combined with earlier settlements, the penalties total more than $640,000. Under a previous settlement, the company also developed supplemental environmental project, valued at $390,000.

Products cited for inefficacy in the most recent case were: Saniphor No. 450, registered as a tuberculocide, but found ineffective against a bacterium that causes tuberculosis, and 7 Healthcare Disinfectant Neutral Cleaner, which EPA tests determined did not kill the pathogen pseudomonas aeruginosa, as claimed on the label. In addition, Klear Guard Tub & Tile Foaming Germicidal Cleaner was cited as misbranded for use of a label with missing first aid information.

Contact Waste & Recycling News senior reporter Bruce Geiselman at 330-865-6172 or bgeiselman@crain.com

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