The Environmental Protection Agency announced on March 1, 1991, that it was investigating Craven Laboratories for "allegedly falsifying test data used by chemical firms to win EPA approval of pesticides."[3] The investigation was coordinated by the EPA Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances, DOJEnvironmental Crimes Division, and the United States Attorney.[2]
Indictments
In 1991, a federal grand juryindicted the laboratory's owner, Don Allen Craven, with felony counts of conspiracy, mail fraud, making false statements, concealment of material facts, and obstructing EPA proceedings. The head of the Quality Assurance Unit was also charged, as were several lab technicians.[4][5]
Scope
At least 48 chemicals were approved on the basis of Craven's fraudulent research, 28 of which remained on the market in New Zealand as of 1993.[6] In total, the FDA reported that Craven performed safety analysis for 262 companies.[7]
Aftermath
Following the conclusion of the EPA's investigation, the Department of Justice announced on February 25, 1994, that the president of Craven Laboratories and fourteen of its former employees were adjudged guilty for the falsification of research data.[8][9]
Monsanto has stated the Craven Labs investigation was started by the EPA after a pesticide industry task force discovered irregularities, that the studies had been repeated, and that Roundup's EPA certification does not now use any studies from Craven Labs.[10]
Legal cases
Following Craven Laboratory's investigation, 11 multinational corporations filed suit against Craven for losses secondary to its misconduct.[6]
↑MacCormack, Zeke (1993-12-05). "Craven Laboratories owner pleads guilty: Craven made false statements to EPA about pesticide tests". The Austin American-Statesman. In accepting the plea agreement Thursday, four days into his trial, Craven became the 15th employee of Craven Laboratories Inc. to admit guilt in what prosecutors have called the most significant environmental case in Central Texas history.
