In May 2010, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a ticket to several companies claiming that their products were resistant to insects.

The EPA specifically states that products that claim to eradicate or prevent bacteria or bacteria are identified as pesticides and must be registered with EPD before distribution or sale.

EPA points out that these products use silver based antibacterial chemicals controlled by EPD lists to prevent deterioration.

VFOutdoor, which produces Wrangler, Vand and North Face brand apparel footwear products, has been fined $207 thousand and 500 for claiming that its production and marketing of more than 60 kinds of shoes are antibacterial and can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

California's Califone International claims that its headphones can prevent bacteria, mold and mold infections and is fined 220 thousand dollars.

Component Hardware and JohnS.Dull of New Jersey sold Saniguardhardware, claiming that the product was treated with a surface that was able to control the growth of coliform, Salmonella, Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but was fined $98 thousand without verification.

The EPA specifically appealed to consumers to take a closer look at the labels printed on the products.