Illinois Company Fined Over $1.1 Million for Misbranded Disinfectant Wipes

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Stepan Co., a Northbrook, Illinois-based company, for allegedly distributing a misbranded pesticide in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The company will pay a penalty of $1,126,404 to resolve the issue.

The EPA alleges that a distributor for Stepan Co. sold Wipes.Com Disinfectant Wipes, classified as a pesticide due to its claims of killing bacteria or viruses, 303 times with improper labeling. The product’s labels lacked required directions for use and included misleading statements about its safety and effectiveness. Stepan Co. has agreed to correct the product labels and update its website claims to comply with federal regulations.

Ad

Under FIFRA, all pesticides sold in the U.S. must be registered with the EPA to ensure they are safe for people, non-target species, and the environment when used as directed. Proper labeling is critical to guide safe use, storage, and disposal of these products, protecting public health and minimizing environmental risks.

For more information, contact Macy Pressley at pressley.macy@epa.gov or 312-886-1443.