The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered Pathway Investment Corporation of Englewood, NJ, to stop selling plastic food containers made with nano silver because it’s an unregistered pesticide. The company claims that the nano silver – an active ingredient in Kinetic Go Green Premium Food Storage Containers, Kinetic Smartwist Series Containers, TRITAN Food Storage and StackSmart Storage – helps reduce the growth of mold, fungus and bacteria. But these claims can only be made on products that have been properly tested and registered with EPA, and Pathway’s containers were never registered. “Unless these products are registered with the EPA, consumers have no information about whether the claims are accurate,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “The EPA will continue to take action against companies making unverified public health claims.” Some pesticides have been linked to various forms of illnesses in people, ranging from skin and eye irritation to cancer. Some pesticides may also affect the hormone or endocrine systems. In many situations, there are non-chemical methods that will effectively control pests. EPA has also issued warning letters to Amazon, Sears, Walmart and other large retailers directing them not to sell the products. These vendors have been selling Kinetic Food Storage Containers through their websites. The Center for Food Safety commended the agency on its action. “This is the first time a nanotechnology-based product used on food has been withdrawn from the market, and is a major victory in protecting consumers from a technology whose health and environmental effects are still unknown, “said Jaydee Hanson, CFS senior policy analyst.
