EPA Region 4 Takes Action to Halt Illegal Pesticide Sales in Metro Atlanta

EPA Region 4 Takes Action to Halt Illegal Pesticide Sales in Metro Atlanta

ATLANTA (July 23, 2026) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued Stop Sale, Use, or Removal Orders (SSUROs) to eight facilities to immediately cease the sale and distribution of the unregistered pesticide Sniper that contains the illegal active ingredient dichlorvos. The active ingredient in these products is dichlorvos (2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate), also known as DDVP, an organophosphate pesticide. EPA has restricted the use of DDVP and other organophosphates in the United States because of the dangers they present to human health. EPA's SSUROs also immediately ceases the sale and distribution of two additional unregistered pesticides (Sniper Flying Insect Killer and Green Leaf Powder Cockroach and Ant Killing Bait).

"The issuance of these eight Stop Sale, Use, or Removal Orders underscores our commitment to a swift, sharp enforcement response when public health is on the line," said Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber. "By immediately freezing the sale and distribution of these unregistered pesticides, EPA's Southeastern Region is successfully removing the threat from the marketplace and preventing further unauthorized chemical exposure to consumers and communities across the Southeast."

During the week of July 9, 2026, EPA conducted 16 inspections in the metropolitan Atlanta area to protect public health and the environment from exposure to highly dangerous chemicals. Inspectors discovered the unregistered pesticides at eight of the inspected facilities that were found selling the unregistered pesticides directly to end users, posing an immediate risk to consumers. In response to these findings, EPA acted swiftly to issue SSUROs to the eight facilities, requiring them to remove these dangerous products from the marketplace and immediately halt any further sale or distribution.

For more information, visit EPA's DDVP Fact Sheets webpage.

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