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PA JOYCE CHEN INC. TO PAY FINE FOR UNPROVEN CLAIMS; CUTTING BOARDS TO BE RELABELED AND REPACKAGED

Release Date: 09/05/97
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1997

JOYCE CHEN INC. TO PAY FINE FOR UNPROVEN CLAIMS;
CUTTING BOARDS TO BE RELABELED AND REPACKAGED

On Aug. 21, the Environmental Appeals Board issued a final consent order approving EPA’s consent agreement with Joyce Chen Inc. The consent agreement resolves EPA’s stop sale action against the company for the sale and distribution of kitchen cutting boards containing an unregistered pesticide. On June 27, EPA ordered Joyce Chen to immediately stop selling and distributing 12 unregistered kitchen cutting-board products that make pesticidal claims. The cutting boards were distributed with an unregistered pesticide and misleading labeling that claimed they prevent the growth of commonly occurring household food poisoning organisms, including salmonella and E. coli, and reduce the danger of bacterial contamination. The consent agreement required the company to pay a fine of $82,500; completely relabel and repackage all existing inventory with labeling devoid of any pesticidal claims or anti-bacterial references; and implement a retail store placard placement program which advised consumers of the need to practice good hygiene while using products with offending labels. This action is part of the Agency’s continuing effort to investigate products marketed with false or unproven claims of public health protection from infectious bacteria and viruses.

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