In a significant enforcement action, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has imposed a record fine of $314,747 on Daiso stores in Hawaii for selling 23 types of unregistered pesticides. This settlement marks one of the largest federal actions of its kind, following a thorough investigation by the EPA and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.
Key Takeaways
- Daiso stores in Hilo, Pearl City, Piikoi, and downtown Honolulu sold unregistered pesticides.
- The fine is part of a federal-state investigation that began in mid-2020.
- Mislabeling of products, including cockroach and fly catchers, was also cited.
- No reported physical harm to consumers from these products.
The investigation revealed that Daiso was importing and selling chemical products without the necessary paperwork mandated by federal safety laws. The EPA emphasized that unregistered pesticides pose risks to human health and the environment, potentially leading to ineffective pest control and adverse effects.
Details of the Investigation
The EPA and Hawaii Department of Agriculture conducted their investigation from mid-2020 through early 2021. Key findings included:
- 23 Types of Unregistered Pesticides: These products were sold without proper registration, violating federal regulations.
- Mislabeled Products: Daiso also sold Premium Adhesive Cockroach Catchers and Made in Japan Fly Catchers, which were found to be mislabeled.
The total volume of these unregistered products sold has not been disclosed, but the EPA is clear about the potential dangers they pose. According to EPA spokesman Michael Brogan, the agency is not aware of any physical harm resulting from the purchase of these products.
EPA’s Stance on Pesticide Regulations
Martha Guzman, the EPA’s Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator, stated, "EPA will not tolerate companies selling unregistered or misbranded disinfectants that are not effective, potentially unsafe, or make false claims." This statement underscores the agency’s commitment to enforcing pesticide regulations to protect public health and safety.
Daiso’s Response and Future Actions
Daiso stores in Hawaii are owned by Maui Varieties Ltd., which also operates under the HouseMart name. Following the investigation, the company has been urged to comply with federal regulations to prevent future violations. The EPA’s enforcement actions serve as a warning to other retailers about the importance of adhering to safety laws regarding pesticide sales.
Conclusion
The record fine against Daiso stores highlights the critical need for compliance with pesticide regulations. As the EPA continues to monitor and enforce these laws, consumers can expect safer products in the marketplace. The agency’s actions aim to ensure that all pesticides sold in the U.S. are registered and effective, safeguarding both public health and the environment.
Sources
- Illegal Pesticide Sales At Hawaii Daiso Stores Prompt Record Fine – Honolulu Civil Beat, Honolulu Civil Beat.
