Skip to main content



Competency Area 5: Pesticide Formulations and Labels

PO 39 Be able to explain the meaning of the phrase “Use Inconsistent with Labeling”.

The source of the label’s legal power is law, specifically the law called FIFRA (The Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act). FIFRA contains the following statement, which must appear on the pesticide label:

“It is a violation of federal law to use this product in any manner inconsistent with its labeling.”
In short, you are forbidden to use a pesticide contrary to the labeling. The label is a “permission document.” Any use not indicated on the label is prohibited. Likewise, consultants or sales persons cannot legally recommend a pesticide be used contrary to its’ labeling.