State issues label warning

Organic farmers should stop using pesticides labeled as W.O.W. Whack Out Weeds! and EcoMight-Pro, distributed by EcoMIGHT, the state warned, as lab tests show these products—labeled as organic, natural and glyphosate-free—do, in fact, contain potentially hazardous chemicals.

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation has issued a notice to EcoMIGHT LLC, a Florida-based company, that it may be in violation of state law by manufacturing, delivering or selling unregistered pesticide products in California.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture issued a "stop use" notice for organic growers about EcoMIGHT products. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also notified EcoMIGHT that it may be in violation of federal law.

EcoMIGHT markets its products as "organic," "natural," "glyphosate-free" and "non-toxic and safe." However, state laboratory analyses of W.O.W. Whack Out Weeds! and EcoMight-Pro products sold in California found that the products tested contain potentially hazardous chemicals including glyphosate, bifenthrin, permethrin, cypermethrin and carbaryl. California registered pesticides that contain these chemicals go through scientific review and have specific requirements for use and personal protective equipment to safeguard workers, communities and the environment from harmful pesticide exposure. W.O.W. Whack Out Weeds! and EcoMight-Pro do not contain these safety instructions, DPR said.

"It is critical that we notify California employers, workers and residents who may be using EcoMIGHT products about these safety concerns to prevent potential injury," said DPR Acting Director Julie Henderson. "This includes ensuring pesticides are properly registered and labeled so you know if you are handling benign ingredients or need to use protective equipment like gloves, goggles or respirators."

The synthetic chemical compounds CDFA laboratory analysis found in W.O.W. Whack Out Weeds! and EcoMight-Pro products are prohibited for use in organic production by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Organic Program. Additionally, these products pose a public health risk because the products were found to contain hazardous chemicals not disclosed on their labels.

"It is imperative that we alert California organic growers that these EcoMIGHT products contain substances that are prohibited in organic production, in order to preserve the integrity of the California organic label and to protect our growers," CDFA Secretary Karen Ross said.

DPR and CDFA investigations began in San Diego and Ventura counties in June, when local county agricultural commissioners alerted state agency partners of a potential concern with the EcoMIGHT products. CDFA's Sacramento lab analyzed samples and DPR, CDFA and additional state and federal regulators are reviewing the lab analyses for potential state and federal violations.

In addition to actions taken by California state agencies, U.S. EPA notified EcoMIGHT that it may be in violation of federal law by manufacturing, distributing or selling unregistered pesticide products. As part of its enforcement of the law, EPA registers pesticide products and approves label language before a pesticide can be sold or distributed. The agency's goal is to provide clear directions for effective product performance while minimizing risks to human health and the environment.

To report illegal pesticide use or concerns about potential illness from pesticide exposure, call 1-87PestLine (1-877-378-5463). To report anonymously, use the DPR mobile app CASPIR or reach out directly to a county agricultural commissioner.