Germ-Killing Claim Costs Pen Maker $35,000

A Buena Park pen maker will pay $35,000 to settle a federal complaint alleging the company claimed, without adequate proof, that one of its ballpoints could prevent bacterial infections.

The packaging on Micro Pen of U.S.A. Inc.’s Micro Cleen-Ball states that the plastic ballpoint’s casing contained an additive that could kill germs on users’ hands, Environmental Protection Agency officials said.

But Micro Pen had not conducted tests to back up its promise or to get the EPA approval necessary for all products marketed as pesticides, the agency said.

Company executives said they agreed last year to stop selling the Micro Cleen-Ball and removed it from store shelves.

The EPA action against the company is part of a national crackdown on products that falsely claim to have infection-prevention powers.

Though the pen label’s promises remain unproven, company executives maintain that the product works.