EPA Labeling Requirements for Surface Disinfectants

In the United States, under the authority of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sole responsibility to establish and enforce the rules for efficacy claims and safety of surface disinfectants. Under FIFRA, pesticides (including antimicrobials, i.e. surface disinfectants) must be registered, including approved labeling, with EPA before sale or distribution in the US. All surface disinfectant products legally sold in the U.S. must provide safety precautions and use directions, as well as valid efficacy data for each specific microorganism claim on the label.

EPA also requires pesticide product users to follow explicitly the labeling directions on each product. The following standard statement appears on all labels under the “Directions for Use” heading:  “It is a violation of federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.”

This statement means a healthcare worker must follow the safety precautions and use directions on the labeling of each registered product, and that failure to follow the specified use-dilution, contact time, method of application, or any other condition of use is considered a misuse of the product and potentially subject to enforcement action under FIFRA. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a one-page graphic guide for users on how to properly read and understand a surface disinfectant’s label.

OSHA Review, Inc. a registered continuing education provider in the State of California, specializing in Dental Practice Act, infection control, and Cal/OSHA training. OSHA Review subscribers in California receive updated regulatory compliance and infection control training thorough our bi-monthly newsletter.