U.S. EPA reaches settlement with Albaugh for pesticide violations

The U.S. EPA Region 7 recently reached a settlement with Albaugh, LLC, concerning alleged Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) violations for misbranded pesticides. As part of the settlement, Albaugh has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $112,684 to the United States.

FIFRA provides the basis for the regulation, sale, distribution and use of pesticides in the U.S. The settlement with Albaugh, which is headquartered in Ankeny, Iowa, is the result of a 2013 inspection of the company's St. Joseph, Mo., facility by the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Inspectors found 16 instances of distribution of misbranded pesticides, and five instances of pesticide ingredients not matching the confidential statement of formulation. For example, an analysis of one pesticide product, which was ready for distribution at the time, exceeded 125 percent of the label claim for the active ingredient Clopyralid. The use of pesticides that do not match the confidential statement of formulation can create risks to human health and the environment, as well as to plants and animals.

In accordance with FIFRA, all pesticides distributed or sold in the U.S. must be registered (licensed) by EPA. In addition, FIFRA outlines labeling and distribution requirements, and worker safety in handling pesticides.

Following the inspection, Albaugh has now taken action to address the violations and is in compliance with FIFRA. A copy of the signed Consent Agreement and Final Order can be found online.