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Label Review Training: Module 3: Special Issues, Page 36

Section 8: How should I review labeling claims?

Learning Objectives
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
  • Identify false or misleading general claims.
  • Identify false or misleading claims associated with a product name.
  • Identify false or misleading efficacy-related claims.
  • Identify false or misleading organic claims.
  • Identify additional resources for reviewing claims not addressed in the Label Review Manual. 

General Claims

A label claim is a statement of something as a fact or an assertion on the label open to challenge.

A pesticide is misbranded if its labeling bears any statement, design, or graphic representation that is false or misleading. It is unlawful for any person to distribute or sell any pesticide that is misbranded. The following are a few kinds of false or misleading claims you may encounter:

  • A false or misleading statement concerning the composition of the product.
  • A false or misleading statement concerning the effectiveness of the product as a pesticide or device.
  • A false or misleading statement about the value of the product for purposes other than as a pesticide or device.
  • A false or misleading comparison with other pesticides or devices.
  • Any statement directly or indirectly implying that the pesticide or device is recommended or endorsed by an agency of the federal government.
  • A true statement used in such a way to give a false or misleading impression to the purchaser.
  • Label disclaimers or warranty statements that negate or detract from required labeling statements.
  • Safety claims of the pesticide, or its ingredients.
  • Non-numerical and/or comparative statements on the safety of the product.

Resources

For more information about general claims, see Chapter 12, Section II of the Label Review Manual.

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Resources

  • Introduction
  • Table of Contents
  • Resources

Module 3
Page 36 of 43
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Pesticide Labels

  • Introduction to Labels
  • Reading Labels
  • Label Review Manual
  • Logos and Graphic on Labels
  • Label Q&A
Contact Us About Pesticide Labels
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on January 30, 2025
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