Out of safety concerns stemming from the use of two flea and tick control products for cats and kittens, Hartz Mountain Corporation has agreed to enact measures to reduce potential risks to pets. The Environmental Protection Agency sought this agreement after it received and investigated thousands of adverse events involving the product.

Under this agreement, Hartz will implement a product recovery, label improvement, and consumer education program for two pesticide products: Hartz Advanced Care Brand Flea and Tick Drops Plus for Cats and Kittens (EPA Reg. No. 2596-148) and Hartz Advanced Care Brand Once-a-Month Flea and Tick Drops for Cats and Kittens (EPA Reg. No. 2596-151). Hartz is required to recover, repackage, and relabel currently available stock. The relabeled products, which will start appearing on store shelves over the next several months, will include stronger precautionary statements and use directions.

The EPA is also requiring the company to submit an additional animal safety study, conducted by an independent laboratory, and to submit additional quarterly reports specific to cats, summarizing allegations of toxic or adverse incidents.

For more information, call Hartz at (800) 275-1414 or visit www.epa.gov/pesticides.