US EPA orders Sparks-based WellPlant to stop sales of pesticide

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered Sparks-based WellPlant, Inc. to stop selling Mold Manager, an unregistered pesticide in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.

The EPA has issued the “Stop Sale” order to prevent WellPlant and its affiliated company, GST International, Inc., from continuing to distribute or offer for sale Mold Manager, a product that prevents mold, mildew, algae and moss.  The product is made in Oregon and has been offered for sale online and distributed to customers in Nevada, California, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oregon, Ohio and Canada.

At EPA’s request, the Nevada Department of Agriculture conducted an inspection of the companies’ facility at 855 East Greg St. in Sparks and tested the product. EPA verified the product was pesticidal, mislabeled and potentially harmful to human health. Products that make claims about preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating mold are considered pesticides and must be properly labeled and registered under federal law.

Mold Manager is not registered with the EPA, not labeled properly and is missing precautionary statements on the label. According to the EPA, proper labeling and registration ensures consumer safety. Consumers who purchased Mold Manager should contact their local refuse management companies for advice on proper disposal.

A statement released by the EPA states that the sale or distribution of a pesticide that has not been registered with the EPA is a violation of federal pesticide law, which requires registration of pesticide products and pesticide-production facilities, as well as proper pesticide labeling. These requirements protect public health and the environment by minimizing the risks associated with the production, handling and application of pesticides. Pesticides can also be harmful if improperly stored or disposed.