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Mar 20 2023
Schools Using Google Translate Violating COPPA?

Google and YouTube to pay record $170 million for alleged violations of children’s privacy law according to a FTC press release. The FTC and New York Attorney General allege YouTube channels collected kids’ personal information without parental consent. As part of the settlement, Google agreed to create a Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) compliant solution. But are schools and students using it?

Schools must use Google Workspace for Education Core Services to comply with COPPA. Contractually, to use it, they must also get parental consent. Google Translate is not listed as a Google Workspace for Education service, therefore student use of Google Translate seems to be in violation of COPPA. Schools need to look elsewhere for a COPPA compliant language translation solution. Ask ESG Safe for automated, real-time language translation and interpretation solutions.

Below is the body of the original September 4, 2019 press release.

NOTE: The FTC hosted an IN-PERSON press conference at FTC Headquarters on September 4. The news conference was also webcast; view archival video here.

Participants included FTC Chairman Joe Simons and Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection Andrew Smith.

Google LLC and its subsidiary YouTube, LLC will pay a record $170 million to settle allegations by the Federal Trade Commission and the New York Attorney General that the YouTube video sharing service illegally collected personal information from children without their parents’ consent.

The settlement requires Google and YouTube to pay $136 million to the FTC and $34 million to New York for allegedly violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Rule. The $136 million penalty is by far the largest amount the FTC has ever obtained in a COPPA case since Congress enacted the law in 1998.

In a complaint filed against the companies, the FTC and New York Attorney General allege that YouTube violated the COPPA Rule by collecting personal information—in the form of persistent identifiers that are used to track users across the Internet—from viewers of child-directed channels, without first notifying parents and getting their consent. YouTube earned millions of dollars by using the identifiers, commonly known as cookies, to deliver targeted ads to viewers of these channels, according to the complaint.

The COPPA Rule requires that child-directed websites and online services provide notice of their information practices and obtain parental consent prior to collecting personal information from children under 13, including the use of persistent identifiers to track a user’s Internet browsing habits for targeted advertising. In addition, third parties, such as advertising networks, are also subject to COPPA where they have actual knowledge they are collecting personal information directly from users of child-directed websites and online services.

“YouTube touted its popularity with children to prospective corporate clients,” said FTC Chairman Joe Simons. “Yet when it came to complying with COPPA, the company refused to acknowledge that portions of its platform were clearly directed to kids. There’s no excuse for YouTube’s violations of the law.”

The YouTube platform allows Google account holders, including large commercial entities, to create “channels” to display their content. According to the complaint, eligible channel owners can choose to monetize their channel by allowing YouTube to serve behaviorally targeted advertisements, which generates revenue for both the channel owners and YouTube.

In the complaint, the FTC and New York Attorney General allege that while YouTube claimed to be a general-audience site, some of YouTube’s individual channels—such as those operated by toy companies—are child-directed and therefore must comply with COPPA.

The complaint notes that the defendants knew that the YouTube platform had numerous child-directed channels. YouTube marketed itself as a top destination for kids in presentations to the makers of popular children’s products and brands. For example, Google and YouTube told Mattel, maker of Barbie and Monster High toys, that “YouTube is today’s leader in reaching children age 6-11 against top TV channels” and told Hasbro, which makes My Little Pony and Play-Doh, that YouTube is the “#1 website regularly visited by kids.”

Several channel owners told YouTube and Google that their channels’ content was directed to children, and in other instances YouTube’s own content rating system identified content as directed to children. In addition, according to the complaint, YouTube manually reviewed children’s content from its YouTube platform to feature in its YouTube Kids app. Despite this knowledge of channels directed to children on the YouTube platform, YouTube served targeted advertisements on these channels. According to the complaint, it even told one advertising company that it did not have users younger than 13 on its platform and therefore channels on its platform did not need to comply with COPPA.

Settlement with the FTC

In addition to the monetary penalty, the proposed settlement requires Google and YouTube to develop, implement, and maintain a system that permits channel owners to identify their child-directed content on the YouTube platform so that YouTube can ensure it is complying with COPPA. In addition, the companies must notify channel owners that their child-directed content may be subject to the COPPA Rule’s obligations and provide annual training about complying with COPPA for employees who deal with YouTube channel owners.

The settlement also prohibits Google and YouTube from violating the COPPA Rule, and requires them to provide notice about their data collection practices and obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children.

The Commission voted 3-2 to authorize the complaint and stipulated final order to be filed. Chairman Simons and Commissioner Christine S. Wilson issued a statement on this matter, while Commissioners Noah Joshua Phillips, Rohit Chopra, and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter issued separate statements.

The complaint and proposed consent decree were filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. NOTE: The Commission authorizes the filing of a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. Consent decrees have the force of law when approved and signed by the district court judge.

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May 14 2022
ESG SAFE SUPPORTS BUSINESS HALL OF FAME EVENT- OVER $1 MILLION FOR JA PROGRAMS RAISED

ESG Safe continues it’s support of Junior Achievement of South Florida at the JA Business Hall of Fame event in response to Harry Patten matching donation offer. Founder, Christine Speedy and her companies have supported JA for over two decades, including teaching 3rd, 5th, 8th, and 12th grades plus the high school entrepreneurship program.

“I strongly believe that teaching kids financial literacy, how specific jobs relate to lifestyles, and inspiring them to own their future makes a difference in student success and life outcomes,” said Christine Speedy.
Christine Speedy having a little fun at the 360-degree photo booth courtesy of the Warren Family Foundation.

(JA) raised over $1 million at the 2022 JA Business Hall of Fame event, presented by American Express, on May 13th. In its 32nd year, this event inducted five community leaders, who have made a significant impact in their respective industry and have demonstrated vision, commitment to excellence, courageous and bold leadership, and social responsibility. JA is humbled by and appreciative of the community’s support. These funds will ensure JA meets it current fiscal year obligations and continues to empower tomorrow’s leaders with the knowledge, ability and confidence to navigate their futures, drive our economy and lead our community!

The 2022 Business Hall of Fame honorees included Jon Antevy (e-Builder) and Ron Antevy (Trimble), Milton L. Jones (Milton Jones Development Corporation), Ramon Rodriguez (WithMyDoc, Inc.) and Mark Warren (International Materials LLC). Juliet Roulhac (Florida Power & Light) was honored with the Melissa Aiello Character Award, sponsored by TD Bank. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Huizenga Lifetime Legacy Award to Harry Patten (Patten Family Foundation), sponsored by Delta Air Lines and the Huizenga Family Foundation. During his acceptance speech Mr. Patten announced that he would donate up to a $500,000 match to JA. 

The 260 attendees also enjoyed complimentary valet parking thanks to Rick Case Automotive Group, and an incredible dinner followed by impactful success stories given by our JA students. 
Congratulations to the 2022 Laureates and Special Award Honorees!

ESG Safe is an authorized reseller of regulated disinfectant and PPE gear. Buyers can be assured of quality and safety for staff and residents. They are best in class, often innovative game changers, and almost always available for immediate delivery in bulk quantities.

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Feb 3 2022
JA World Uncorked Raises $300,000 for JA Programs

JA World Uncorked, the JA Circle of Wise Women Signature Event, returned on January 29th and raised over $300,000 for JA programs. Approximately 500 guests gathered to enjoy some delicious food prepared by South Florida’s finest restaurants. Thanks to Presenting Sponsor Breakthru Beverage Florida, attendees enjoyed a wide range of premier wines, champagne and spirits. While craft beers were also served by Funky Buddha Brewery.  Junior Achievement thanks Co-Chairs Lisa Duke, Alyssa Lovitt and Susan Renneisen. Susan and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino truly amplified this year’s event. We appreciate our four Culinary Chefs, too! To make the night complete, other impactful highlights included:

  • Florescue Family Foundation Sponsor Lounge
  • Susan Rindley’s 360 Photo Booth and Champagne “Welcome” Bar
  • Complimentary Valet Courtesy of Rick Case Automotive Group
  • Christine Speedy’s ESG Safe Disco Lounge
  • Exotech, Dickinson Wright, Bob and Sandra Moss’s Disco Lounge 
  • Bob Birdsong’s Private Stash Game
  • Daoud’s Fine Jewelry Raffle 
  • An Auction, Entertainment and More!

Learn more about the JA Circle of Wise Women who have raised nearly $5 million since its inception in 2009. CLICK HERE.

ESG Safe Founder, Christine Speedy, has been volunteering for Jr Achievement of South Florida for over 25 years. ESG Safe is a 100% Women owned business. ESG Safe is an authorized reseller of regulated disinfectant and PPE gear to businesses. Buyers can be assured of quality and safety for staff and residents. They are best in class, often innovative game changers, and almost always available for immediate delivery.

christine speedy ESG safe
Christine Speedy, ESG Safe founder

Jr Achievement has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2022.

About Junior Achievement USA® (JA)
Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 2.5 million students per year in 103 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.2 million students served by operations in 100 other countries worldwide. Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide. Visit www.ja.org for more information.

About JA Worldwide
As one of the world’s largest youth-serving NGOs, JA Worldwide prepares young people for employment and entrepreneurship. For over 100 years, JA has delivered hands-on, experiential learning in work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Each year, our network of over 590,000 volunteers and teachers serves more than 10 million students in over 100 countries. Visit jaworldwide.org.

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Jan 26 2022
Povidone-Iodine nasal spray tested against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) available wholesale

Nasal sprays to reduce effects of allergies, cold, flu and other viruses are nothing new, however the availability of products specifically tested against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), Influenza B (the flu), HRV-14 (common cold), and RSV is. Our nasal spray can be used in corporate, manufacturing, dental, and high traffic settings where people are in close proximity. Available for retail with point of sale display as well as bulk purchase for high volume employee needs.

Scientific studies proving the effectiveness and safety of Povidone-Iodine as a nasal sanitizer:

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7341475/
  • https://medicaldialogues.in/ent/news/intranasal-povidone-iodine-effectively-limits-covid-19-spread-finds-study-69915
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8056783/
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32520599/
  • Additional specific studies available upon request

ESG Safe is an authorized reseller of regulated disinfectant and PPE gear. Buyers can be assured of quality and safety for staff and residents. They are best in class, often innovative game changers, and almost always available for immediate delivery. Our team will guide you to the best solutions.

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Jan 11 2022
ESG Safe Sponsors Jr Achievement JA World Uncorked 2022

ESG Safe is a major sponsor for JA World Uncorked, the premier fundraiser put on by the Jr Achievement of South Florida Circle of Wise Women. ESG Safe founder, Christine Speedy, completed the Jr Achievement high school company program and after a stint working in both small and large businesses, went on to found several companies.

For over 25 years, Christine Speedy has been an advocate for Junior Achievement. She started by volunteering for JA, co-founded the Young Professionals group, and later co-founded the Circle of Wise Women, who’s mission is to support JA initiatives. Each JA World Uncorked, Christine has made her presence felt by assisting with the auction and other tasks, as well as having a great time and raising funds for our programs.

This year, Christine and her company ESG Safe went above and beyond by becoming a major sponsor. Attendees enjoying the entertainment, thanks to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, will be dancing on the ESG Safe Dance Floor.
Check out the video Christine sent in for the Launch Party back in November announcing her commitment to this year’s Uncorked:

Junior Achievement of South Florida JA World Uncorked Christine Speedy
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Nov 2 2021
EPA Directs City of Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Take Immediate Actions to Improve the Safety and Reliability of its Drinking Water

Agency Sets Schedule and Will Offer Assistance to Correct Violations

November 2, 2021 Contact Information EPA Press Office

WASHINGTON (Nov. 2, 2021) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an order under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act to the city of Benton Harbor, Michigan, based on violations and deficiencies found during a recent, joint federal-state inspection of the water system. The federal order sets out the steps necessary for the city to bring its water system into compliance to assure proper operations and to protect residents from exposure to lead. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy is also taking a separate action today to address violations of state law as part of its ongoing state enforcement action.  

“The people of Benton Harbor have suffered for too long. EPA is fully engaged and working to support the community, and today, we are taking a critical next step to ensure that drinking water is safe and reliable,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Exposure to lead in children can cause irreversible and life-long health effects, including decreasing IQ, focus, and academic achievement. The water infrastructure in Benton Harbor, like many cities across the country, needs upgrades and investments to build resiliency and protect people from lead.”

The Safe Drinking Water Act provides EPA with broad authority to protect public health. EPA’s SDWA Section 1414 order requires the city to take several actions to protect residents in Benton Harbor, including:

  • Informing consumers when lead action level exceedances are detected in drinking water.
  • Improving the applications of chlorine for disinfection and orthophosphate for corrosion control.
  • Implementing stricter requirements for better monitoring of residual disinfectants and its byproducts.
  • Making filter repairs at the treatment plant.
  • Using an independent third-party to conduct an analysis of alternatives for the long-term operation and maintenance of the system.

EPA’s involvement has been instrumental to driving recent actions to ensure people are safe and healthy. This includes working closely with the state and providing oversight and support of their efforts to address the immediate and pressing needs of the community—including providing bottled water. In addition, EPA recently awarded $5.6 million to Benton Harbor under a Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act grant for lead service line replacement, along with a corrosion control study. EPA is working with Michigan’s state agencies, the City of Benton Harbor, and the drinking water system on medium- and long-term solutions, which are essential to ensuring the health and well-being of residents in the community. 

Through its oversight role, EPA is also offering the city the services of a compliance advisor to provide direct, one-on-one technical assistance to the system operator. EPA makes compliance advisors available to small, under-resourced drinking water systems nationwide that may lack sufficient expertise. 

For more information, visit: https://www.epa.gov/mi/benton-harbor-drinking-water

https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-directs-city-benton-harbor-michigan-take-immediate-actions-improve-safety-and

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Aug 26 2021
Nursing Home Monetary Penalties Heat Up

CMS reverses prior decision to change penalties from per day to per instance. AARP Foundation and a Washington-based law firm sued to block the per instance penalty, which created endless nursing home violations without further penalty before fixing, if ever. Nearly one third of all Covid related deaths are in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other long-term care settings.

CMS is hereby removing the July 7, 2017 Memo (S&C 17-37-NH) from its guidance repository. In that memo, CMS instructed CMS Locations (formerly “Regional Offices”) to impose civil monetary penalties for prior noncompliance solely on a per-instance basis. Upon further consideration, CMS has determined that the agency should retain the discretion at this time to impose a per-day penalty where appropriate to address specific circumstances of prior noncompliance. We will work within CMS operations to apply such discretion, and any final notice of noncompliance will set forth the penalty, and the reason(s) for imposing per-instance or per-day penalties. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-and-Memos-to-States-and-Regions-Items/Survey-and-Cert-Letter-17-37

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ESG Safe is an authorized reseller of regulated disinfectant and PPE gear. Buyers can be assured of quality and safety for staff and residents. They are best in class, often innovative game changers, and almost always available for immediate delivery. Our team will guide you to the best solutions.

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Jun 16 2021
EPA Issues Order to eBay to Stop Selling 170 Unregistered, Misbranded Pesticides

WASHINGTON – On June 16, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ordered eBay Inc., of San Jose, California, to stop selling 170 unregistered and/or misbranded pesticide products in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The EPA amended the Stop Sale Use or Removal Order issued to eBay on June 10, 2020 to include the additional products. 

Following up on tips and complaints from consumers and members of the regulated community, the EPA identified 170 pesticides on eBay.com that were either not registered with the Agency, labeled with false or misleading statements (misbranded), or both. 

“Unregistered pesticides can pose a serious hazard to human health and the environment,” said Larry Starfield, EPA acting assistant administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “EPA remains committed to holding online retailers such as eBay accountable for the sale of these dangerous products through their websites.”

Through FIFRA, Congress tasked the EPA to regulate the production, sale, distribution, and use of pesticides in the United States. FIFRA makes it unlawful for any person to distribute or sell a pesticide that is not registered with the EPA or a pesticide with false or misleading labeling. The EPA is authorized to issue a stop sale use or removal order whenever a pesticide is found to be in violation of FIFRA’s requirements.

Among the pesticide products subject to the amended order is brodifacoum, a highly lethal anticoagulant poison with several links to human intoxication, and dichlorvos (aka DDVP), an organophosphate insecticide that has various restrictions and prohibited uses in the United States due to the dangers it presents to human health (EPA also classified DDVP as a probable human carcinogen). 
 

A bottle of Sniper DDVP dichlorvos
 
Recently, the EPA issued alerts to different members of the public including apartment building managers and superintendents, flight crews, customs and border protection agents, and the general public to increase awareness of the dangers posed by DDVP both in its application and transportation. 

Also included in the amended order are pesticides that eBay failed to stop selling after the June 10, 2020 order such as Virus Shut Out, a purported spatial disinfection card that claims to protect the wearer from the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). 
 
 A bottle of Virus Shut Out


To view the stop sale order, view: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/amended-stop-sale-use-or-removal-order-issued-ebay-inc.

To make the public aware of the dangers of DDVP, EPA developed five fact sheets targeted to different audiences: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/ddvp-fact-sheets.

For additional information on the coronavirus: www.epa.gov/coronavirus.

Members of the public can help protect our environment by identifying and reporting environmental violations. Learn more here: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/report-environmental-violation-general-information. 

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ESG Safe is an authorized reseller of regulated disinfectant and PPE gear. Buyers can be assured of quality with shipment direct from manufacturer certified distribution facilities to you. They are best in class, often innovative game changers, and almost always available for immediate delivery. Our team will guide you to the best solutions.

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May 26 2021
San Diego Firm and Owner Pleads Guilty to Illegal Importation, Sale and Mailing of Product Marketed as COVID-19 Killer

SAN DIEGO – A San Diego firm and its owner pleaded guilty in federal court today to charges relating to the unlawful importation, sale and mailing of an unregistered pesticide product from Japan marketed as a killer of airborne viruses such as COVID-19.

The product, known as EcoAirDoctor, was a small badge represented to emit a gas that would kill viruses within a certain distance.  Such products are required to be registered as pesticides in the United States; no such registration was obtained.

Samir Haj, owner of EcoShield, LLC, admitted that he negotiated an agreement on behalf of the company with a foreign exporter that allowed him to import the product for a cost of $6.25 per unit. When he imported 125,000 units into the United States on June 10, 2019, he falsely declared the value to be approximately $2.07 per unit, resulting in an underpayment of Customs duty of $33,919.

The product was falsely described as an air purifier rather than a pesticide. The defendants shipped the product to individuals who purchased from their website via U.S. Mail, including a shipment to an undercover mailbox in Arizona in May of 2020. The product, as noted on the label, contains sodium chlorite, which is an item declared to be unmailable under U.S. Postal rules and regulations.  Sodium chlorite was deemed unmailable because of its propensity to cause fire or explosion.

As part of the plea agreements, the defendants agreed to forfeit $427,689, the proceeds from the sale of the illegal product, and to pay restitution of $86,754 for the unpaid duty and the cost of disposing of the product that was not sold.  In addition, the company agreed to pay a fine of $42,000, for a total financial penalty of $556,443.

“This defendant took advantage of COVID-19 fears to market an illegal product,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “We are aggressively pursuing opportunists who exploit the pandemic to make money.”

Grossman praised Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Pierson; trial attorney Stephen DaPonte of the Department of Justice’s Environmental Crimes Section; and agents with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigations Division; Homeland Security Investigations; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their exceptional work on this case.

“Unregistered pesticide products pose serious public health dangers,” said Special Agent in Charge Scot Adair of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in California. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that EPA and our law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the American people from products that make fraudulent – and potentially harmful – COVID-19 protection claims.”

“Whenever someone uses the U.S. Mail to send dangerous, illegal, or improper items, Postal Inspectors will find them and bring them to justice,” said Eric Shen, Acting Postal Inspector in Charge, Los Angeles Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “We remain committed to keeping the mail safe for our customers and our employees.”

“This individual violated several federal laws and jeopardized public safety by marketing and selling an unproven device,” said Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “It’s despicable that he preyed upon people’s fear of COVID-19 to turn a profit. HSI will continue to work with our partners at Environmental Protection Agency -Criminal Investigation Division, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure public safety during this pandemic.”

Sentencing is scheduled for August 13, 2021 at 9 a.m. Before U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino.

DEFENDANTS                                               Case Number 21cr1463

EcoShield, LLC                                               Formed: July 2018                         San Diego, California     

Samir Haj                                                                     Age: 46San Diego, California

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

For Eco Shield LLC

Entry of Goods Falsely Classified – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 541

Maximum penalty: Five years of probation and $500,000 fine or twice the amount of gross gain or loss, restitution to victims, forfeiture of proceeds

For Samir Haj

Entry of Goods Falsely Classified – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 541

Maximum penalty: Two years in custody and $250,000 fine, restitution to victims, forfeiture of proceeds

Nonmailable Injurious Articles – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1716(j)(1)

Maximum penalty: One year in custody and $100,000 fine

Distribution or Sale of Unregistered Pesticides – Title 7, U.S.C., Sections 136j(a)(1)(A) and 136l(b)(1)(B)

Maximum penalty: One year in custody and $100,000 fine

AGENCIES

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigations Division

Homeland Security Investigations

U.S. Postal Inspection Service

For more information on EPA’s Criminal Investigations Division, visit: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/criminal-enforcement.

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ESG Safe is an authorized reseller of regulated disinfectant and PPE gear. Buyers can be assured of quality with shipment direct from manufacturer certified distribution facilities. Our team will guide you to the best solutions.

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BIOPROTECT STOP SALE
Apr 9 2021
EPA orders Philadelphia company to stop making inaccurate health claims about pesticide

03/31/2021 Contact Information:  EPA Region 3 Press Office

PHILADELPHIA (March 31, 2021) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered ViaClean Technologies, operating in Philadelphia, to stop marketing the pesticide BioProtect RTU with claims that it is effective against surfaces from public health related pathogens such as the coronavirus.

Although the product is registered to inhibit the growth of “non-public health” microorganisms, it is not registered to address “public health” pathogens. EPA is concerned that customers may have used this product as protection from a virus – such as the coronavirus — in lieu of other EPA-approved disinfection methods.

“Improperly marketed pesticides, especially during a pandemic, may cause injury to consumers,” said Acting EPA Mid-Atlantic Region Administrator Diana Esher. “EPA remains vigilant and will continue to protect the health and safety of Americans from products that have false or misleading public health claims.”

ViaClean provided two BioProtect RTU fact sheets containing public health claims to at least one customer, including the statement that the pesticide can be used to kill “germs.”

Some online distributors, cleaning services, and end-recipients of BioProtect RTU were also making unsubstantiated claims that this product is effective against pathogens, germs, disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and/or the novel coronavirus for up to 90 days.

EPA issued a Stop Sale, Use or Removal Order to prevent BioProtectRTU from continuing to sell this product with public health claims that have not been substantiated through the pesticide registration process.

Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), products that claim to kill or repel bacteria or germs, including disinfectants, are considered pesticides and must be registered with the EPA. Public health claims can only be made regarding products that have been properly tested and are registered with the EPA.

EPA has released an expanded list of EPA-registered disinfectant products that have qualified for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. List-N contains over 460 additional products—including products that went through the expedited review process for emerging viral pathogens.

To view the most up-to-date list of EPA-registered disinfectant products, visit https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

For more information on EPA resources on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19): https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus

For more information on pesticides, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides   

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DISCLAIMER:

ESG Safe staff searched the internet to learn more about the referenced products. Since the specific literature in question is unknown, it’s hard to discern whether any literature on the web now is related to the stop order. The image shown contains content that was publicly obtained from an internet reseller. It has the word germs but there’s now way to know if it contributed to the violation. Note, disinfectants are regulated by the EPA under the category pesticides as there is no specific category for disinfectants.

Products distributed by ESG Safe always meet government requirements and are verifiable on various agency web sites.

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