EPA Fines Grocery Chains for Selling Illegal Disinfectants in Three States
Federal inspectors say El Super and Smart & Final stores sold unregistered disinfectant products containing hazardous ingredients, leading to a $472,369 settlement and the removal of all affected products from store shelves.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- December 04, 2025
The EPA has announced that it has settled with Chedraui USA, Inc., doing business as El Super and Smart & Final Stores LLC, for distributing unregistered disinfectants in Arizona, California and Nevada. The company will pay $472,369 to resolve the violations.
Unregistered disinfectants removed from shelves
EPA investigators, working with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, found that El Super and Smart & Final stores had sold products marketed as disinfectants or sanitizers without the required federal registration under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
Some products contained quaternary ammonium compounds, which carry a “danger” label under pesticide regulations. Others made unverified claims about killing germs or viruses. EPA said such products can be ineffective or potentially harmful if they have not been properly tested and registered.
The agency confirmed that all identified products have been removed from store shelves and are no longer being sold.
Federal law holds retailers accountable
Under federal law, disinfectants and other products that claim to kill microorganisms must be registered with the EPA before they can be sold or distributed. Registration ensures the products have been evaluated for safety, effectiveness, and proper labeling.
“Unregistered disinfectants can not only be ineffective, but can contain dangerous ingredients,” said Amy Miller, director of EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division for the Pacific Southwest Region. “Companies have a responsibility to protect their customers from illegal, potentially harmful disinfectant products.”
EPA said the settlement reflects its continued enforcement priority to ensure disinfectant products on the market are safe, properly regulated, and do not pose unnecessary risks to consumers.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for EPOnline.