EPA Says Stepan Co. Fined $1.1M Over Misbranded Disinfectant Sales

Federal officials say more than 300 sales of a disinfectant wipe product violated labeling requirements designed to ensure public safety and product effectiveness.

• By Stasia DeMarco
• Jun 09, 2025

The EPA announced this week a settlement with Stepan Co. of Northbrook, Illinois, for allegedly distributing or selling a misbranded pesticide in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. Stepan will pay a $1,126,404 penalty. 

EPA alleged that a distributor for Stepan sold Wipes.Com Disinfectant Wipes, a misbranded disinfectant, 303 times. The label for Wipes.Com Disinfectant Wipes did not include the required directions for use. Additionally, the labeling contained several misleading statements regarding the product’s safety and efficacy. Stepan will correct the product labels and website claims.

Under FIFRA, products that claim to kill, destroy, prevent, or repel bacteria or viruses are considered pesticides. All pesticides distributed or sold in the United States are required to be registered by the EPA to ensure that the products perform as intended and will not harm people, non-target species, or the environment when used as directed.

FIFRA’s pesticide registration requirements protect public health and the environment by minimizing risks associated with the production, handling, and application of pesticides and by ensuring that products work effectively. FIFRA labeling requirements help safeguard the public by ensuring that labels include clear directions for safe use, storage, and disposal of chemicals.