EPA Orders Menards to Halt Unregistered Pesticides

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered Menard Inc., a major home improvement retailer in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to halt the sale of two unregistered pesticides, the 'Antimicrobial Filter' and 'Allergen Filter'. The products were found to be marketed online with claims suggesting they could be used against COVID-19, violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. The EPA emphasized that all pesticides must undergo evaluation through its registration process to ensure safety for human health and the environment before sale. Menard stated they have ceased selling the products, pending clarification from the EPA, while the manufacturer, Excell Air Filters, claims compliance with EPA standards. Unregistered pesticides may mislead consumers and lack the necessary safety information provided by EPA-approved labels. The agency's order aims to prevent any further distribution of these unregistered products.