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Label Review Training: Module 4: Applying the Principles of Pesticide Label Review, Page 21

Section 6: How should I review advisory statements?

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

  • Describe the characteristics of advisory statements.
  • Identify unacceptable advisory language. 

Reviewing Advisory Statements

As discussed in Module 1, advisory statements are intended to be informational. They provide information to the product user on such topics as product characteristics and how to reduce risk and maximize efficacy while using the product. Advisory statements must:

  • Use factual or nondirective sentences. For example:
    • “Latex gloves provide the best protection.”
  • Be clearly separated from mandatory statements.

Resources

For more information about advisory statements see Chapter 3, Section IV.B of the Label Review Manual  and PR Notice 2000-5.

Problematic Advisory Statements

Advisory statements should not conflict with mandatory statements or use terms that could be interpreted as mandatory or ambiguous. Suggestive terms such as “should,” “may” or “recommend” may be confusing or ambiguous, or potentially conflict with mandatory labeling statements; thus, they are to be avoided. EPA realizes that the use of descriptive terms for advisory statements is not appropriate for every situation and that there are times where it may be necessary to use “should,” “may,” “recommend” or similar words; however, in most cases it is best to craft advisory labeling statements in straightforward, factual statements. The most effective advisory statements give the user a specific reason for doing or not doing something.

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Resources

  • Introduction
  • Table of Contents
  • Resources

Module 4
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Pesticide Labels

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Contact Us About Pesticide Labels
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Last updated on January 30, 2025
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