EPA fines Southern California grocery chain for distributing unregistered disinfectants
LOS ANGELES (Feb. 11, 2025) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a settlement with Super Center Concepts, Inc. (dba Superior Grocers) over claims of illegal distribution of two unregistered disinfectant products. Under the settlement, the company will pay $253,909 for the violations. The company no longer distributes these disinfectants or offers them for sale.
A California Department of Pesticide Regulation inspection at Superior Grocers’ Santa Ana location, followed by an EPA investigation, revealed that the company had distributed “Home Line Antibacterial Wipes,” an unregistered disinfectant that claimed it was “antibacterial” and “kills germs,” to 47 stores throughout California in 2020. In addition, both this product and another unregistered disinfectant that claimed “to kill 99% of germs and bacteria” and advertised “effectively eliminating the Coronavirus and other germs,” Ha Ha Fu Sterilized Wet Wipes, were offered for sale by the company from its Santa Ana location.
Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), products claiming to kill or mitigate pests on surfaces, including microorganisms, must be registered with the EPA before being sold or distributed. Registration ensures that products have been properly tested and meet federal safety standards. Neither product underwent EPA's registration process to verify safety and efficacy claims.
"Distributing unregistered disinfectants is a serious violation that can put the public’s health at risk," said EPA Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division Acting Director Joel Jones. "This action reinforces EPA's commitment to protect Americans by ensuring that products meet federal safety and efficacy requirements."
Unregistered products can be harmful to human health, cause adverse effects, and may not be effective against the spread of germs. Registration and labeling requirements under federal law protect human health by ensuring these sorts of products are tested in accordance with specific guidelines and can be safely used for their intended purposes.
Find the most up-to-date list of EPA-registered disinfectant products and more information on pesticide registration.
For more information on reporting possible violations of environmental laws and regulations, visit EPA’s enforcement reporting website.
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