
[Federal Register: September 30, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 190)]
[Notices]               
[Page 56819-56824]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30se08-53]                         

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-1008; FRL-8385-3]

 
Pesticides; Notice of Intent To Withdraw the Draft PR Notice on 
Label Statements Regarding Third-Party Endorsements and Cause Marketing

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: EPA is withdrawing its draft Pesticide Registration Notice (PR 
Notice) entitled ``Label Statements Regarding Third-Party Endorsements 
& Cause Marketing.'' The draft PR Notice, issued for public comment in 
October 2007, contained a description of the Agency's proposed 
framework for evaluating proposed statements and graphic material to 
appear on pesticide labeling regarding third-party endorsements or a 
relationship between the pesticide registrant and a charity (``cause 
marketing claims'') and the kinds of information EPA would expect to 
receive in applications to add such claims to pesticide labeling. 
Public comments on the draft raised serious issues, leading the Agency 
to conclude that considerably more information would likely be needed 
to support such claims than was described by the draft PR Notice. 
Rather than develop additional guidance, EPA believes it is better to 
allocate its resources to other initiatives which should improve 
pesticide labeling in ways that enhance users' understanding of and 
ability to use products safely and effectively. Thus, the Agency will 
continue to evaluate applications proposing to add labeling containing 
third-party endorsements or cause marketing claims on a case-by-case 
basis to ensure that the applicant has provided sufficient information 
to allow EPA to determine whether products containing such claims meet 
the standards for registration.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle DeVaux, Immediate Office 
(7501P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone 
number: (703) 308-5891; fax number: (703) 308-4776; e-mail address: 
devaux.michelle@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

    This notice is directed to the public in general, although it may 
be of particular interest to those persons who register products under 
the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Since 
other entities may also be interested, the Agency has not attempted to 
describe all the specific entities that may be affected by this action.
    If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this 
action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

B. How Can I Get Copies of this Document and Other Related Information?

    1. Docket. EPA has established a docket for this action under 
docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-1008. Publicly 
available docket materials are available either in the electronic 
docket at http://www.regulations.gov, or, if only available in hard 
copy, at the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) Regulatory Public 
Docket in Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal 
Dr., Arlington, VA. The hours of operation of this Docket Facility are 
from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal 
holidays. The Docket Facility telephone number is (703) 305-5805.
    2. Electronic access. You may access this Federal Register document 
electronically through the Internet under the ``Federal Register'' 
listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr.

II. Background

    EPA is committed to ensuring that pesticide labeling communicates 
to the user information on how to use the product safely and 
effectively. The Agency is devoting considerable resources to improving 
the content and design of the labeling of currently approved pesticide 
products in order to meet this goal. These efforts address not only 
guidance about what information should appear in labeling, but also how 
EPA receives and reviews labeling and how labeling is communicated to 
users.
    In the Federal Register of October 31, 2007 (72 FR 61638) (FRL-
8152-6), EPA issued for public comment a draft Pesticide Registration 
Notice (PR Notice) entitled ``Label Statements Regarding Third-Party 
Endorsements & Cause Marketing.'' The draft PR Notice described a 
proposed framework for evaluating proposed statements and graphic 
material to appear on pesticide labeling regarding third-party 
endorsements or a relationship between the pesticide registrant and a 
charity (``cause marketing claims''). The draft PR Notice also 
discussed the kinds of information EPA would expect to receive in an 
application in order to determine that such claims are consistent with 
FIFRA. The Agency received 108 comments opposing the draft PR Notice, 
along with 11 comments in support of some or all of the draft.
    This Notice discusses EPA's decision, after reviewing public 
comments, to withdraw its draft PR Notice, and to continue to support 
initiatives that simplify and clarify labeling in order to better 
communicate critical information to users. Unit III. of this Notice 
describes the legal framework used by EPA to evaluate proposed labeling 
of pesticide products. Unit IV. discusses the importance of pesticide 
labeling and initiatives the Agency is taking to improve pesticide 
labeling. Unit V. discusses the draft PR Notice and public comments 
received, and Unit VI. explains EPA's position on the kinds of cause 
marketing claims and third-party endorsements as described in the PR 
Notice and the basis for this position.
    In sum, consistent with its mandate, EPA will accept and review all 
applications for new or amended pesticide labeling, including those 
proposing to add third-party endorsements or cause marketing claims. 
After review of public comments, however, the Agency has decided that 
such claims are unlikely to

[[Page 56820]]

enhance users' ability to use a pesticide safely and effectively. 
Because it does not wish to encourage such claims, EPA has decided it 
is not appropriate to issue guidance on what information is needed to 
support such applications. If EPA receives such an application, the 
Agency expects to decide on a case-by-case basis both what information 
would be sufficient to support the application and whether a product 
containing such a claim would meet the applicable statutory standard 
for approval.

III. Legal Framework

    EPA regulates the sale, distribution, and use of pesticide products 
under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). 
With certain minor exceptions, every pesticide product must be 
``registered'' by EPA before it may lawfully be sold or distributed in 
the United States. FIFRA sections 3(a) and 12(a)(1)(A). FIFRA section 
3(c)(1) requires an applicant for registration to file with EPA, among 
other things, ``a statement which includes-- . . . (C) a complete copy 
of the labeling, a statement of all claims to be made for [the 
pesticide] . . . .'' Under FIFRA section 3(c)(5), EPA may register a 
pesticide, i.e., approve a license authorizing the sale and 
distribution of the pesticide product, if EPA determines that:

    (A) [the pesticide's] composition is such as to warrant the 
proposed claims made for it;
    (B) its labeling and other material required to be submitted 
comply with the requirements of [FIFRA];
    (C) it will perform its intended function without unreasonable 
adverse effects on the environment; and
    (D) when used in accordance with widespread and commonly 
recognized practice it will not generally cause unreasonable adverse 
effects on the environment.

    The labeling of a pesticide plays a critical role in assuring the 
safe use of pesticide products. FIFRA section 2(p)(1) defines the 
``label'' of a pesticide as ``the written, printed, or graphic matter 
on, or attached to, the pesticide or device or any of its containers or 
wrappers.'' FIFRA section 2(p)(2) defines ``labeling'' to mean ``all 
labels and all other written, printed or graphic matter (A) 
accompanying the pesticide or device at any time; or (B) to which 
reference is made on the label . . . .'' Typically, the label of a 
pesticide contains the product name, brand, or trademark; an 
ingredients statement; a statement of net weight or contents; 
directions for use; and hazard and precautionary statements. See EPA 
regulations at 40 CFR part 156.
    Two other sections of FIFRA relating to the labeling of pesticide 
products contain important provisions that establish the link between 
registration decisions and pesticide use. Under FIFRA section 
12(a)(2)(G), it is unlawful for any person ``to use any registered 
pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.'' To reinforce 
this authority, FIFRA section 12(a)(2)(A) also declares it unlawful for 
any person to ``detach, alter, deface or destroy, in whole or in part, 
any labeling required under [FIFRA],'' i.e., the labeling approved as 
part of EPA's registration decision. Thus, EPA's registration decisions 
regarding approved labeling become the primary vehicle by which EPA 
establishes enforceable requirements on the use of a pesticide.
    In addition, FIFRA section 12(a)(1)(E) prohibits the sale or 
distribution of any pesticide or device which is ``misbranded.'' FIFRA 
section 2(q) contains a lengthy definition explaining when a pesticide 
should be considered ``misbranded,'' including when:

    (1)(A) its labeling bears any statement, design or graphic 
representation relative thereto or to its ingredients which is false 
or misleading in any particular; . . .
    (E) any word, statement, or other information required by or 
under the authority of [FIFRA] to appear on the label or labeling is 
not prominently placed thereon with such conspicuousness (as 
compared with other words, statements, designs, or graphic matter in 
the labeling) and in such terms as to render it likely to be read 
and understood by the ordinary individual under customary conditions 
of purchase and use;
    (F) the labeling accompanying it does not contain directions for 
use which are necessary for effecting the purpose for which the 
product is intended and if complied with, . . . are adequate to 
protect health and the environment.

The language in FIFRA section 3(c)(5)(B), in effect, makes the 
misbranding definition one of the criteria for determining the 
acceptability of a pesticide for registration.
    In summary, EPA has the authority and responsibility to register 
pesticides according to specific standards, to ensure that the products 
registered, when used according to the labeling, will not generally 
cause unreasonable adverse effects. The importance of labeling to 
convey the end results of the registration process to the user is 
paramount.

IV. Registration & Labeling

    In order to protect human health and the environment from 
unreasonable adverse effects that might be caused by pesticides, the 
Agency has developed and operates a rigorous and demanding process for 
registering pesticides. The formal process begins when a manufacturer 
submits an application to register a pesticide. The application must 
contain required test data, including information on the pesticide's 
chemistry, environmental fate, toxicity to humans and wildlife, and its 
potential for human exposure. The Agency also requires a copy of the 
proposed labeling, including directions for use, and appropriate 
warnings. Since users are required to comply with the directions for 
use and restrictions on a product's labeling, EPA uses the labeling to 
define how the pesticide would be used and thus how people and the 
environment would be exposed to the pesticide.
    As required by FIFRA section 3(c)(4), the Agency announces the 
receipt of applications for products that contain a new active 
ingredient or change a use pattern and invites public comment through a 
Federal Register Notice. Once an application is received, EPA processes 
it and conducts an evaluation, which includes a detailed review of 
scientific data to determine the potential impact on human health and 
the environment. The assessment may undergo peer review by a panel of 
scientific experts. The Agency considers the risk assessments and 
results of any peer review, reviews risk mitigation measures, and makes 
risk management and regulatory decisions.
    In the decision-making process, EPA evaluates the application to 
determine whether the proposed use(s) meets the Agency's standards for 
human health, worker and environmental protection. If the application 
does not contain enough evidence to prove that the pesticide meets all 
of these standards, EPA communicates to the applicant the need for more 
or better refined data, labeling modifications, or additional use 
restrictions. Once the applicant has demonstrated that a proposed 
product meets the statutory standards, EPA establishes a tolerance if 
the product is intended to be used on food and approves the 
registration with any risk mitigation necessary, and publishes the 
decision in the Federal Register Notice. EPA devotes significant 
resources to the regulation of pesticides to ensure the highest levels 
of protection of the public and the environment.
    Product labeling is the primary mechanism used by EPA to 
communicate critical information to the pesticide user. The labeling 
contains use directions, health and safety information, and 
instructions for proper storage and disposal. Users are obligated to 
follow the use instructions on the label and labeling for registered 
products. Different program

[[Page 56821]]

stakeholders, including states, the Pesticide Program Dialogue 
Committee, members of the Consumer Labeling Initiative, and the public, 
however, have raised concerns with the current state of pesticide 
labels. External stakeholder feedback has suggested that labels need to 
be simpler, especially for products at the consumer level, in order for 
users to fully understand them. To better communicate the required 
information and to avoid distractions to the consumer, stakeholders 
have suggested that EPA reduce unnecessary label content and provide 
clear, concise and easy-to-read information.
    In addition to stakeholder feedback on label formatting, EPA has 
received input from states on the enforceability of label language. 
States, as co-regulators with EPA, are responsible for enforcing many 
pesticide-related laws. There are several standing venues through which 
states can raise concerns to EPA; while many types of issues are 
covered in these formal venues, states often raise questions on label 
language on a case-by-case basis as well. When developing enforcement 
cases, states often request interpretations of unclear or vague 
labeling language. As a consequence of these comments, EPA is becoming 
increasingly concerned about the effectiveness of labeling on currently 
registered pesticides. EPA recognizes the critical role that states 
play in enforcing pesticide label language and is pursuing efforts to 
reduce the burden on states to continuously seek interpretations of 
vague language.
    EPA agrees with stakeholders that product labeling is a crucial 
communications tool between EPA and the user. In recognition of the 
issues raised, the Agency has supported a number of efforts to improve 
labeling. These include issuing guidance on environmental hazard 
general labeling statements on outdoor use products (73 FR 29503, May 
21, 2008) (FRL-8362-3), labeling statements on products used for adult 
mosquito control (70 FR 12881, March 16, 2005) (FRL-7695-8), labeling 
of pesticide products under the National Organic Program (68 FR 10477, 
March 5, 2003) (FRL-7281-6), and proposed guidance on the use of 
antimicrobial pesticide products in heating, ventilation, air 
conditioning and refrigeration systems (71 FR 78433, December 29, 2006) 
(FRL-8108-9). Given the importance of labeling in communicating 
critical safety and use information to the user, EPA will continue to 
pursue improvements. Through internal reviews, EPA identified label 
organization as an issue to be addressed. The Agency is working towards 
using resources efficiently to effect wholesale improvements in 
labeling language, content, and enforceability. The goal of these 
initiatives is to simplify labels, reducing the amount of unnecessary 
information, and to clarify labeling text, in order to better 
communicate critical information to the user.

V. Consideration of Cause Marketing and Third-Party Claims

A. Clorox's Proposed Claims

    In January 2006, The Clorox Company (Clorox) submitted an 
application to EPA to add cause marketing language to the labels of 
some of their registered pesticide products. The proposed language 
described a philanthropic relationship between Clorox and the American 
Red Cross (Red Cross). In a meeting between EPA and Clorox in March 
2006, Clorox described the partnership agreement into which they had 
entered with the Red Cross, discussed what cause marketing language 
they were currently using on non-pesticide products, and presented a 
label mock-up for an antimicrobial bleach product. In this meeting, EPA 
expressed concern that consumers might interpret the Red Cross symbol 
on the label as an implied safety claim. Clorox provided an additional 
presentation in July 2006, which included a toxicological profile of 
bleach; a National Capital Area Poison Control Center presentation 
regarding incidents involving bleach; and information from a consumer 
survey indicating that the labeling would not alter consumer behavior 
in ways that could lead to misuse.
    After review of the information described above, EPA approved Red 
Cross cause marketing claim language on the label of certain Clorox 
products. The decision particularly relied on EPA's expectation, which 
was based on the consumer survey research, that consumers would not 
interpret the Red Cross symbol on labels to mean that the product was 
safe. The decision also relied on an assessment of the likely health 
consequences were the products to be misused as a result of the 
presence of the cause marketing labeling and consideration of whether 
such labeling would alter consumer behavior in ways that could lead to 
misuse. EPA concluded that this information was sufficient to support a 
conclusion that the product bearing the cause marketing language would 
not be ``misbranded'' under FIFRA.

B. Post-Approval Activity

    After EPA's decision to approve Clorox's application to add the 
cause marketing claim became widely known, a number of organizations 
expressed their opposition to the specific decision and to any general 
policy that would allow cause marketing claims on the labeling of 
pesticide products. The groups opposing the Red Cross claim on Clorox 
labels included the Association of American Pesticide Control 
Officials, Beyond Pesticides, Pesticide Action Network North America, 
Center for Environmental Health, American Bird Conservancy, Pesticide 
Education Project, Strategic Counsel on Corporate Responsibility, 
Environmental Health Fund, the Endocrine Disruption Exchange, and 
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides, as well as 
Attorneys General in six states. In April 2007, the Minnesota 
Department of Agriculture refused to accept Clorox products with the 
Red Cross charity labels for distribution in Minnesota.
    This topic was discussed by the Pesticide Program Dialogue 
Committee (PPDC) in May 2007, and in meetings with various other 
stakeholder groups. The PPDC, established under the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act, consists of a diverse group of stakeholders and provides 
an opportunity for feedback to the Agency's pesticide program on 
various pesticide regulatory, policy, and program implementation 
issues. Comments from the PPDC members were divided; some spoke in 
support of EPA's decision, but others expressed strong objections. See 
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/ppdc/2007/may2007/may2007.htm.

C. Proposed Pesticide Registration (PR) Notice

    The Agency developed a proposed framework and guidelines for 
evaluating requests to add cause marketing claims and third-party 
endorsements to pesticide labeling. EPA proposed that, at a minimum, 
the labeling of a registered product must be effective in providing 
both use instructions and necessary safety information. The Agency 
issued a draft PR Notice for comment on October 31, 2007 (72 FR 61638). 
The draft PR Notice defined what the Agency considered cause marketing 
claims (``a statement describing a relationship (usually philanthropic) 
between the registrant of the pesticide product and another entity, 
usually a charity'') and third-party endorsements (``an expression of 
approval or a recommendation to use a product made by an entity other 
than the applicant/registrant'').
    The legal framework of the PR Notice rested primarily on the 
requirement that EPA determine that proposed pesticide

[[Page 56822]]

labeling would not be misbranded under FIFRA. Recommendations for data 
to be submitted for consideration included mock labels, documentation 
of the relationship between the registrant and charity or third-party 
endorser, discussion of potential consumer impacts, consumer market 
research, disclaimer language to minimize misunderstanding by 
consumers, and other supporting information. The intent of the PR 
notice was to set a high bar for consideration of claims that may have 
a higher likelihood to be considered false or misleading, or as 
detracting from use directions or other important information on the 
label or labeling. The proposed guidance outlined how applicants or 
registrants could demonstrate that the proposed language and logos did 
not distract from safe use instructions or violate the misbranding 
standard.

D. Public Comments on the PR Notice

    EPA received a total of 119 comments on the draft PR Notice. Along 
with other background information, the comments appear in the public 
docket for this action: EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-1008. Of those, 108 opposed the 
draft PR Notice and 11 supported some or all of the components of the 
draft PR Notice. The following is a summary of the comments received.
    1. Opposition. Those opposed to the PR Notice argued that labels 
should be used only to convey use instructions and safety information, 
not unnecessary endorsements or logos. They also noted that the labels 
of many (if not most) products are already crowded, and additional 
information would take space away or distract from elements required by 
statute and regulation. These claims would be designed to draw 
consumers' attention, potentially distracting them from the important 
health and safety information and undermining the protections 
implemented through label requirements. Commenters also asserted that 
EPA should not become involved in corporate marketing, which falls 
outside the Agency's mission of protecting human health and the 
environment and providing information on labeling to assist with the 
safe use of pesticide products. Since space on labels is limited, these 
comments urged EPA to refuse to allow extraneous information that is 
not needed for product identification, directions for use, or other 
text that minimizes risk and maximizes efficacy.
    Some commenters also opposed the PR Notice because they believe 
that logos and claims are inherently misleading, i.e., that they imply 
safety claims or greater efficacy for a product. Commenters cited the 
FIFRA definition of misbranding (section 2(q)(1)(A)), claiming that, 
under this provision, cause marketing statements or third-party 
endorsements are inherently misleading. In addition, they cited 40 CFR 
156.10(a)(5)(iii) which states that false and misleading statements 
include ones ``about the value of the product other than as a pesticide 
or device,'' which could be implied by a cause marketing claim or 
third-party endorsement. Commenters argued that consumers may interpret 
the logo of an organization they trust or from a celebrity as an 
implied endorsement. In addition, they argued that vulnerable 
populations such as elderly people, those with low literacy, and 
children may rely on the logo as the primary selection criteria, 
regardless of the intended use of the product.
    As discussed above, EPA devotes significant resources to evaluation 
of labels and labeling and registration of products. Commenters argued 
that the additional level of review necessary to evaluate a cause 
marketing claim or third-party endorsement would divert Agency 
resources from evaluations of more important elements of the label and 
labeling required by the statute and regulation. The comments made a 
similar argument with respect to the allocation of resources in 
enforcement programs. Commenters argued that the resources of the 
Agency's pesticide program should not be diverted from the fundamental 
mission of protecting public health and the environment to evaluate 
claims that are designed as marketing or fundraising campaigns.
    Commenters also asserted that the draft PR Notice conflicted with 
EPA's Label Review Manual (http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/labeling/lrm/), 
a policy document on label and labeling content that uses the Red Cross 
logo as an example of a symbol that implies safety or non-toxicity, and 
could be considered false or misleading. They requested that the 
existing policy be followed. At the least, before accepting claims that 
could be viewed as inconsistent with the Label Review Manual and that 
could potentially endanger public health, commenters requested more 
demonstration of the expected public benefit and an explanation of why 
a change would be necessary.
    Some commenters in opposition argued that the information EPA 
proposed to require would contain insufficient detail to allow the 
Agency to evaluate an application with a cause marketing claim or 
third-party endorsement. These commenters recommended that EPA provide 
more specific guidance, or implement requirements, for applicants to 
ensure that the information provided would prove the absence of any 
implied endorsement and false or misleading claims. They also suggested 
that information should be required to prove that the proposed cause 
marketing claim or third-party endorsement would not detract or 
distract from the required labeling elements.
    Lastly, some commenters opposed the proposal because EPA decisions 
to allow cause marketing claims and third-party endorsements could 
conflict with states' decisions. They believed that there was 
insufficient meaningful consultation with the states through the State 
FIFRA Issues Research and Evaluation Group. Allowing these types of 
claims could make the Federal standard more lenient than some state 
regulations, and could prevent states from denying registration of 
these products if they find a risk concern.
    2. Support. Comments in support of the draft PR Notice fell into 
two categories. One group recommended that EPA limit the scope of the 
draft PR Notice only to cause marketing claims and that EPA should 
issue a final PR Notice with only modest changes to the draft. As for 
third-party endorsements, these comments recommended that EPA establish 
a public engagement process for further consideration of the issues 
raised by such labeling. The other group supported changing the 
emphasis of the PR Notice to focus on third-party endorsements from 
established organizations and environmentally preferable or ``green'' 
certification programs.
    Those who supported approving the PR Notice for cause marketing 
claims argued that this type of claim should be held to the same 
standards as any other non-FIFRA text added to the label. They asserted 
that no additional information (beyond the current requirements) should 
be necessary unless there is a concern that the cause marketing claim 
could have an implied safety message. In a similar vein, they stated 
that additional publicengagement--beyond what FIFRA mandates--would be 
unnecessary and improper, because the public and states are not 
currently involved in registration decisions and it would be improper 
to engage outside stakeholders in the case of cause marketing claims.
    Another group of comments expressed support for the draft PR Notice 
because it would make the inclusion of third-party endorsements in 
pesticide labeling more likely. These comments argued that there is an 
Agency precedent for allowing certain

[[Page 56823]]

logos or endorsements on labels. Specifically, endorsements by the 
Organic Material Review Institute and the Soil and Mulch Council were 
cited. They also proposed that approving standards established by 
third-party certification programs such as Design for the Environment 
and Green Seal would alleviate burden on EPA during the application 
review process while providing information to consumers to assist them 
in differentiating between products based on environmental, efficacy-
based and other quantitative characteristics.

VI. Agency Action

    The Agency has decided to withdraw the PR Notice describing 
framework for evaluating cause marketing claims or third-party 
endorsements. After reviewing public comments, the Agency agrees that 
cause marketing claims and third-party endorsements as outlined in the 
draft PR Notice generally would not contribute meaningfully to 
improving protection of human health and the environment. The addition 
of such statements is not likely to enhance users' ability to 
understand the labeling required to inform the user about how to use 
the product safely and effectively. In fact, the addition of such 
statements could interfere with that goal. In addition, EPA recognizes 
that its resources are limited and should be targeted towards 
activities that will enhance the level of protection of human health 
and the environment from pesticides. Thus, although EPA will review any 
future application it receives, it generally discourages the submission 
of applications to add cause marketing claims or third-party 
endorsements.
    In reviewing the legal framework on which the PR Notice was based, 
the Agency concluded that FIFRA and its implementing regulations do not 
explicitly prohibit the inclusion of cause marketing claims or third-
party endorsements in labeling, nor do they differentiate between the 
two types of claims. Therefore, EPA will continue to review and make 
decisions on applications to for new or amended pesticide labeling 
using the standards in FIFRA section 3(c)(5)(A)-(D). Consistent with 
existing policy, EPA will not approve a statement in the labeling of a 
pesticide product unless the applicant can demonstrate that the 
statement is not false or misleading and that the presence of the 
statement detracts from other information required on the labeling.
    If EPA receives applications to add such labeling to product 
labeling, EPA will decide on a case-by-case basis what types of 
information would be necessary to allow the Agency to evaluate such an 
application. In recognition of concerns about such claims' potential 
impact on public health and their potential burden on EPA resources, 
the Agency will expect applicants to supply a complete justification to 
support the proposed additions. While it is difficult for the Agency to 
identify the exact types of information it will need in every 
circumstance, applicants should understand that they must submit 
sufficient information to allow the Agency to determine that the 
desired statements will not mislead pesticide users, especially 
vulnerable subpopulations, and will not detract from other important 
language on the label. Ultimately, the applicant has the responsibility 
to provide the Agency with sufficient information to allow the Agency 
to make the necessary findings. See 40 CFR part 158. If, upon initial 
review, the Agency finds that the applicant has not met its burden, EPA 
may request additional information from the applicant to facilitate 
further consideration of the proposal. 40 CFR 158.75. Failure to 
provide requested information could lead EPA to deny the application.
    The Agency will also review and decide on a case-by-case basis 
whether to approve such applications. As indicated above, the legal 
standards for such reviews appear in FIFRA section 3(c)(5), as informed 
by the definition of ``misbranding'' in FIFRA section 2(q). Also, as 
discussed above, product labeling plays a critical role in the 
effective regulation of pesticides, and the Agency thinks clear, 
simple, and enforceable labeling is essential to ensuring pesticides do 
not cause unreasonable adverse effects on the environment. Since most 
cause marketing claims or third-party endorsements ordinarily do not 
provide information that contributes to the safe and effective use of a 
pesticide, EPA will approve applications to add cause marketing claims 
or third-party endorsements only if the applicant provides information 
to show that the inclusion of such text will neither create a 
misleading impression in any significant subgroup of the population of 
people who might use or otherwise come into contact with the product 
nor interfere with the ability of people who use the product to 
understand how to use the product properly. The decision about whether 
to approve the proposed addition of such labeling text would likely 
depend on the proposed content and placement of the text, the nature of 
the existing labeling, and the potential risks associated with the use 
of the pesticide, among other characteristics. EPA expects that, in 
general, it would be difficult to convince EPA to approve applications 
to add most types of cause-marketing claims or third-party 
endorsements.
    Based on the experience with the cause marketing claim proposed by 
Clorox, EPA expects that there would be a high level of public concern 
about future requests for consideration of such claims. Given the 
controversial and complicated nature of these types of claims, EPA 
believes it would benefit from consultation with states and a public 
comment period. Although it has not been historical practice, if EPA 
receives applications to add cause marketing claims or third-party 
endorsements that have enough information to support the approval of 
such a claim, it would likely offer its state partners, as well as the 
public, an opportunity to comment. Any public engagement would be 
conducted in a manner consistent with FIFRA requirements to protect 
Confidential Business Information (CBI).
    In light of the significant interest in improving users' 
understanding of and ability to use products safely and effectively, 
EPA agrees with public comments that comparative safety statements, or 
``green labeling,'' on pesticide labels should be further considered as 
a tool. Companies have found that consumers are interested in having 
labeling on products indicating that the products meet a specific set 
of criteria, for example that they are safer or environmentally 
preferable according to a specific standard. Programs to set standards 
for such green labeling include: Energy Star, Design for the 
Environment, and Green Seal. Experience also suggests that some 
consumers will alter their behavior to use products bearing such green 
labeling.
    As a first step, the Office of Pesticide Programs will engage a 
work group under the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee on 
comparative safety statements or logos for pesticide product labeling. 
This work group will address interest being expressed by the public for 
possible development of Agency or third-party standards regarding 
comparative product safety. The work group will make recommendations to 
the full Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee as to whether the 
government should pursue revision of the current regulations at 40 CFR 
156.10(a)(5) in order to develop or allow these types of statements or 
logos.
    EPA anticipates that these types of comparative safety statements 
would be

[[Page 56824]]

used by consumers as tools, to assist them in differentiating between 
similar types of products based on distinct, verifiable criteria. For 
example, a logo from the National Organic Standards Board could assist 
a grower seeking to obtain or maintain organic certification for his/
her farm. Labels could provide information about the comparative safety 
of the product as well as about its potential environmental impact, 
allowing consumers to choose among products based on their preferences. 
Along with the recommendations from the PPDC work group, EPA will 
consider the potential risks associated with including these types of 
statements on pesticide labeling and the proper role of government in 
this type of program before deciding whether or not to revise the 
current regulations.
    In summary, the Agency is committed to ensuring that pesticide 
labeling is utilized as a tool to communicate critical information to 
the user how to use the product safely and effectively. In order to 
ensure that protection of public health and the environment remain the 
top priorities for EPA, we are not encouraging submissions of any label 
claims that detract or distract from the use and safety instructions or 
that could be considered false or misleading. We remain committed to 
programs and initiatives designed to improve the content, organization 
and enforceability of pesticide labeling.

List of Subjects

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests.


    Dated: September 24, 2008.
Debra Edwards,
Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.
[FR Doc. E8-22938 Filed 9-29-08; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6560-50-S
