<PAGE>



                                LOAN AGREEMENT


         This is a Loan Agreement made as of December 17, 1996, between PNC
BANK, N.A., a banking association organized and existing under the laws of the
United States of America ("Lender"), having an address at Two Tower Center
Boulevard, East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816, and USA DETERGENTS, INC., a
corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, having its
principal place of business at 1735 Jersey Avenue, North Brunswick, New Jersey
08902 ("Borrower").


                                   RECITAL:

         WHEREAS, Borrower and Lender are about to enter into a commercial
lending arrangement whereby Lender has agreed to make loans to Borrower and
Borrower has agreed to repay same; and

         WHEREAS, Borrower and Lender have negotiated the terms and conditions
of their agreements pursuant to which Lender has agreed to, inter alia,
provide Borrower with (i) a Ten Million ($10,000,000) Dollar Revolving Line of
Credit; and (ii) a Twenty Million ($20,000,000) Dollar Capital Expenditures
Facility; and

         WHEREAS, Borrower and Lender wish to set forth the terms and
conditions of their lending arrangements by this writing.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the Recitals and the mutual
covenants herein contained, the parties agree as follows:

1.       DEFINITIONS:

         For the purposes of this Loan Agreement, the following definitions
shall apply to the terms set forth below:

         A.       The term "Advance Limit" shall mean the sum of Ten Million
                  ($10,000,000.00) Dollars, which is the maximum amount
                  available to be borrowed by the Borrower under the Revolver.

         B.       The term "Advances" shall mean each of the Revolving Loans
                  and Capital Facility Loans made to Borrower.

         C.       The term "Affiliate" shall mean and include any Person in
                  which one or more of the stockholders owning ten (10%)
                  percent or more of Borrower, anysubsidiary and/or any
                  parent, now or at any time or times hereafter hold,
                  individually, jointly or severally, an equity or other
                  ownership interest in excess of ten (10%) percent of the
                  total equity or ownership interest in such Person.





<PAGE>




         D.       The term "Banking Day" shall mean any day other than a
                  Saturday, Sunday or other day on which Lender is closed for
                  a United States of America or any state declared bank
                  holiday and on which commercial banks in the City of London,
                  England are open for dealings in U.S. dollar deposits in the
                  London Interbank Market.

         E.       The term "Base LIBOR Rate" shall mean a rate per annum equal
                  to the product arrived at by multiplying the thirty (30) or
                  ninety (90) day Fixed LIBOR Rate applicable to the Interest
                  Period in question by a fraction (expressed as a decimal),
                  the numerator of which shall be the number one (1) and the
                  denominator of which shall be the number one (1) minus the
                  aggregate reserve percentages (expressed as a decimal) from
                  time to time established by the Board of Governors of the
                  Federal Reserve System of the United States and any other
                  banking authority to which the Lender is now or hereafter
                  subject, including, but not limited to any reserve on
                  "Eurocurrency Liabilities" (as such term is defined in
                  Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal
                  Reserve System of the United States) at the ratios provided
                  in such Regulation from time to time, it being agreed that
                  any LIBOR Loan shall be deemed to constitute a Eurocurrency
                  Liability as defined by such Regulation, and it being
                  further agreed that such Eurocurrency Liabilities shall be
                  deemed to be subject to such reserve requirements without
                  benefit of or credit for prorations, exceptions or offsets
                  that may be available to the Lender from time to time under
                  such Regulation and irrespective of whether the Lender
                  actually maintains all or any portion of such reserve.

         F.       The term "Borrower" shall mean USA Detergents, Inc., a
                  corporation organized under the laws of the State of
                  Delaware.

         G.       The term "Capital Expenditures" shall mean all expenditures
                  by the Borrower for fixed or capital assets that have a
                  useful service life of one year or more at the time the
                  asset is acquired by the Borrower and any obligation of the
                  Borrower under capital leases (that is, Borrower's
                  obligation to pay rent and other amounts under any lease of
                  real or personal property, or any other arrangement to use
                  such property, or any combination thereof, which are
                  required to be classified and accounted for as capital
                  leases under GAAP).

         H.       The term "Capital Expenditures Facility" shall mean the line
                  of credit available to Borrower for the purchase of capital
                  assets and/or leasehold improvements pursuant to Section 3
                  hereof.

         I.       The term "Capital Facilities Loan" shall mean each and any
                  loan made pursuant to the Capital Expenditures Facility.



                                      2

<PAGE>




         J.       The term "Consolidated Current Assets" shall mean those
                  assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries that are treated
                  as current assets in accordance with GAAP, applied on a
                  consistent basis.

         K.       The term "Consolidated Current Liabilities" shall mean those
                  liabilities of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries that are
                  treated as current liabilities in accordance with GAAP,
                  applied on a consistent basis.

         L.       The term "Consolidated Tangible Net Worth" shall mean as of
                  the time of any determination thereof, the difference
                  between (A) the sum of (i) the par value (or the value
                  stated on the books of Borrower and its Subsidiaries) of the
                  capital stock of all classes of Borrower and its
                  Subsidiaries, plus (or minus in the case of a deficit), (ii)
                  the amount of the surplus, whether capital or earned of
                  Borrower and its Subsidiaries, plus (iii) subordinated debt
                  (i.e all debt subordinated to the Obligations), less (B) the
                  sum of treasury stock, unamortized debt discount and
                  expense, goodwill, trademarks, trade names, patents, and
                  other similar intangible assets and any write-up after the
                  date hereof of the value of any assets, all determined for
                  Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP,
                  applied on a consistent basis.

         M.       The term "Consolidated Total Liabilities" shall mean, as of
                  the time of any determination thereof, with respect to
                  Borrower and its Subsidiaries the aggregate sum of the
                  following items as such items appear on their balance
                  sheet(s): (i) the unpaid principal balance of all
                  indebtedness or liability for money borrowed or owed to any
                  Person from time to time (including any renewals and
                  extensions120308A22021197 thereof), whether or not the
                  indebtedness was heretofore or hereafter created, issued,
                  incurred or assumed, as determined in accordance with GAAP;
                  (ii) the unpaid principal balance of all indebtedness or
                  liability for the deferred purchase price of property or
                  services incurred (including trade obligations); (iii) all
                  obligations as lessee under leases which have been or should
                  be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capitalized lease
                  liabilities; and (iv) all Current Liabilities in respect of
                  unfunded vested benefits under any Plan covered by Title IV
                  of ERISA.

         N.       The term "Debt Service Coverage" shall mean, for the four
                  (4) previous fiscal quarters of Borrower at the time of
                  determination thereof on a consolidated basis, and all as
                  determined in accordance with GAAP, the result of the
                  following calculation:

                  (i)      earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
                           amortization minus dividends, unfunded Capital
                           Expenditures and taxes, divided by

                  (ii)     the sum of the following: interest expense, current
                           portion of capital leases and current portion of
                           long term debt. For the purposes of this


                                      3

<PAGE>




                           Subsection N, "unfunded" shall mean Capital
                           Expenditures which are not offset by corresponding
                           borrowings.

         O.       The term "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income
                  Security Act of 1974, as amended.

         P.       The term "ERISA Affiliate" shall mean any trade or business
                  (whether or not incorporated) that together with Borrower
                  would be treated as a single entity employer under Section
                  4001 of ERISA.

         Q.       The term "Event of Default" shall mean a default as set
                  forth in Section 9 of this Loan Agreement after applicable
                  notice, grace and cure periods provided herein.

         R.       The term "Fixed LIBOR Rate" shall mean, as to a particular
                  Interest Period, a rate per annum equal to the rate for
                  United States dollar deposits with maturities comparable to
                  such Interest Period which appears on Telerate Page 3750 as
                  of 11:00 a.m., London time, two (2) Banking Days prior to
                  the commencement of such Interest Period, provided, however,
                  that if such rate does not appear on Telerate Page 3750, the
                  Fixed LIBOR Rate applicable to a particular Interest Period
                  shall mean a rate per annum equal to the rate at which
                  United States dollar deposits in an amount approximately
                  equal to the LIBOR Loan in question, and with maturities
                  comparable to such Interest Period with respect to which
                  such Fixed LIBOR Rate is applicable, are offered in
                  immediately available funds in the London interbank market
                  to the London office of the Lender by leading banks in the
                  Eurodollar market at 11:00 a.m., London time, two (2)
                  Banking Days prior to the commencement of the Interest
                  Period to which such Fixed LIBOR Rate is applicable, and
                  provided also, however, the Fixed LIBOR Rate is subject to
                  correction if any correction is made in such rate and
                  displayed by the Associated Press-Dow Jones Telerate Service
                  within one (1) hour of the time when such rate is first
                  displayed.

         S.       The term "GAAP" shall mean United States generally accepted
                  accounting principles.

         T.       The term "Guarantor" or "Guarantors" shall mean any Person
                  who at any time shall agree to be a guarantor or surety for
                  Borrower, which must include, however, any Subsidiary of
                  Borrower formed after the date of this Loan Agreement.

         U.       The term "Interest Period" shall mean the thirty (30) or
                  ninety (90) day periods of time during which a Prime Rate or
                  Base LIBOR Rate will be applicable to all or a particular
                  portion of the Loans, in accordance with the terms set forth
                  herein for each such rate.


                                      4

<PAGE>




         V.       The term "Interest Rate Option" shall mean the option of
                  Borrower to choose a rate of interest for each Interest
                  Period based upon the Prime Rate or the LIBOR Rate, each as
                  adjusted herein.

         W.       The term "Lender" shall mean PNC BANK, N.A., a banking
                  association organized and existing under the laws of the
                  United States of America, its successors and assigns.

         X.       The term "Letter of Credit shall mean a letter or letters of
                  credit issued by Lender at the request and account of
                  Borrower pursuant to section 4 hereof.

         Y.       The term "LIBOR Loan" shall mean any one or more Loans for
                  which interest is determined based upon the LIBOR Rate.
                  Nothing herein shall be deemed to limit the number of LIBOR
                  Loans Borrower may have outstanding at any one time.

         Z.       The term "LIBOR Rate" shall mean a rate per annum equal to
                  the Base LIBOR Rate plus the applicable margin which shall
                  be determined based upon the ratio of Borrower's
                  Consolidated Total Liabilities to Consolidated Tangible Net
                  Worth as of the last day of each fiscal quarter of Borrower
                  (the "Applicable Margin"). The Applicable Margin shall be
                  determined as soon after the end of each fiscal quarter as
                  shall be practical but in no event more than 30 days after
                  the date the financial statements of Borrower are to be
                  delivered to Lender pursuant to ss.7.5 hereof, as follows:

                  Consolidated Total Liabilities to
                  Consolidated Tangible Net Worth           Applicable Margin

                         Above 1.0:1.0                      150 basis points
                         Above .76 and at and below 1.0:1.0 100 basis points
                         Above .25 and at and below 76:1.0  75 basis points
                         At and below .25:1.0               50 basis points


                  Upon determination of the Applicable Margin the rate shall
                  be adjusted for the period accordingly and any interest
                  adjustment shall be made on the date the next interest
                  payment is due. Anything herein to the contrary
                  notwithstanding, until the quarter ending March 31, 1997 the
                  LIBOR Rate shall be deemed to be 50 basis points over the
                  Base LIBOR Rate and thereafter shall float as herein
                  provided.

         AA.      The term "Loan" or "Loans" shall mean any Advances made to
                  Borrower under the Revolver and/or Capital Expenditures
                  Facility.

         BB.      The term "Loan Agreement" shall mean this Loan Agreement and
                  any extension or renewal thereof or modification or
                  amendment thereto.


                                      5


<PAGE>






         CC.      The term "Maturity Date" shall mean April 30, 2000 or any
                  extension of such date.

         DD.      The term "Obligation" or "Obligations" shall mean all
                  indebtedness, obligations, liabilities, and agreements of
                  every kind and nature of Borrower to or with Lender, or to
                  or with any affiliate of Lender, or any guaranty of Borrower
                  of any other Person's indebtedness, liabilities and
                  agreements to or with Lender, or to or with any affiliate of
                  Lender, now existing or hereafter arising, and now or
                  hereafter contemplated, pursuant to this Loan Agreement, the
                  Relevant Documents or otherwise, whether in the form of
                  refinancing, letters of credit, bankers' acceptances,
                  guarantees, loans, interest, charges, expenses or otherwise,
                  direct or indirect, acquired outright, conditionally or as
                  collateral security from another, absolute or contingent,
                  joint or several, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or
                  unsecured, arising by operation of law or otherwise,
                  including without limitation any future advances, renewals,
                  extensions or changes in form of, or substitutions for, any
                  of said indebtedness, obligations or liabilities, the other
                  sums and charges to be paid to Lender pursuant to Section 2
                  or 3 hereof, and all interest and late charges on any of the
                  foregoing.

         EE.      The term "Permitted Lien" shall mean (a) purchase money
                  liens created in the ordinary course of business for the
                  acquisition of machinery and equipment to be utilized in
                  Borrower's business; (b) liens of warehousemen, mechanics,
                  common carriers and landlords arising by operation of law
                  and incurred in the ordinary course of business, for amounts
                  that are not yet due and payable or which are being
                  diligently contested in good faith by Borrower or a
                  Subsidiary by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted,
                  provided that in any such case an adequate reserve is being
                  maintained on the books of Borrower or the Subsidiary in
                  accordance with GAAP; (c) liens of judgment creditors not
                  otherwise constituting an Event of Default under Section 9.;
                  (d) pledges or deposits under worker's compensation,
                  unemployment insurance and other social security
                  legislation; and (e) deposits to secure the performance of
                  bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety
                  and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of
                  a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business.
                  Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding the liens
                  referred to in (a) above shall not exceed, in the aggregate,
                  the sum of $750,000.00 plus the amount of liens referred to
                  in (a) above existing as of the date hereof.

         FF.      The term "Person" shall mean any individual, sole
                  proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, trust,
                  unincorporated organization, association, corporation,
                  institution, entity, party or government (including any
                  political subdivision thereof).

         GG.      The term "Plan" shall mean any plan established or
                  maintained, or to which contributions have been or are
                  required to be made, by Borrower or any ERISA


                                      6


<PAGE>


                  Affiliate that is subject to the minimum funding
                  requirements of Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code of
                  1986, as amended from time to time.

         HH.      The term "Prime Rate" shall mean the rate of interest
                  established from time to time by Lender as its "Prime Rate".
                  This rate of interest is determined from time to time by
                  Lender as a means of pricing some loans to its customers and
                  is neither tied to any external rate of interest or index,
                  nor does it necessarily reflect the lowest rate of interest
                  actually charged by Lender to any particular class or
                  category of customers of Lender.

         II.      The term "Relevant Documents" shall mean any and all
                  documents and instruments executed or delivered by Borrower
                  or any Guarantor to Lender pursuant or incident to this Loan
                  Agreement, or heretofore executed or delivered by Borrower
                  with respect to the Revolver and/or the Capital Expenditure
                  Facility.

         JJ.      The term "Revolving Loan" or "Revolving Loans" shall mean
                  Loans made pursuant to the provisions of Section 2 of the
                  Agreement.

         KK.      The term "Revolving Note" shall mean the Revolving Note in
                  the face amount of Ten Million ($10,000,000.00) Dollars, to
                  be executed contemporaneously herewith and any renewal,
                  extension, modification or amendment thereto or substitution
                  therefor.

         LL.      The term "Revolver" shall mean the Revolving Line of Credit
                  facility in an amount up to the Advance Limit made available
                  to the Borrower by the Lender hereunder.

         MM.      The term "Roll Over Date" shall mean the end of an
                  applicable Interest Period.

         NN.      The term "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation at least a
                  majority of whose issued and outstanding equity now or at
                  any time or times hereafter is owned by the Borrower and/or
                  one or more Subsidiaries thereof.

         OO.      The term "Telerate Page 3750" shall mean the display
                  designated as "Page 3750" on the Associated Press-Dow Jones
                  Telerate Service (or such other page as may replace Page
                  3750 on the Associated Press-Dow Jones Telerate Service or
                  such other service as may be nominated by the British
                  Bankers' Association as the information vendor for the
                  purpose of displaying British Bankers' Association interest
                  settlement rates for U.S. Dollar deposits).

         PP.      The term "Termination Date" shall mean the date upon which
                  the Loan Agreement or the Revolving Loan is terminated.


         QQ.      The term "Variable Rate Loan" shall mean any Loan for which
                  interest is determined based upon the Prime Rate.



                                      7

<PAGE>





2.       REVOLVER:

     2.1  Revolver. (a) Amount. (i) During the term of this Loan Agreement,
provided no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and provided this
Agreement has not been terminated, Lender will provide, at one time or from
time to time, at the request of Borrower, Loans to Borrower which Borrower may
borrow, repay and reborrow as it may elect, in an aggregate principal amount
up to but not in excess of the Advance Limit of Ten Million ($10,000,000.00)
Dollars outstanding at any time, on a revolving loan basis, which shall be due
and payable in full on April 30, 2000, together with all accrued and unpaid
interest fees and charges; provided however, the Lender shall have the right,
but not the obligation and in its sole discretion, to extend the Revolving
Loan on or before April 30th of each year during the term hereof for an
additional one year period. For the purposes of determining the Advance Limit
the amount of Revolving Loans outstanding shall include all amounts of issued
and undrawn upon standby letters of credit as described in Section 4.

          (ii) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding,
Borrower shall, on or after May 1, 1998, reduce the outstanding principal
balance of the Revolver to Zero ($0) Dollars and maintain the outstanding
principal balance at Zero ($0) Dollars for thirty (30) consecutive days, and
thereafter do so at least once each year for so long as this Agreement is in
effect.

          (b)  TERMINATION DATE. THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE, TOGETHER
WITH ACCRUED AND UNPAID INTEREST AND COSTS, UNDER THE REVOLVER SHALL BE DUE
AND PAYABLE, IN FULL, ON THE TERMINATION DATE. LENDER SHALL HAVE NO OBLIGATION
TO EXTEND, RENEW OR REFINANCE SUCH OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE AT SUCH TIME.

          (c)  Use of Loan Proceeds. The proceeds of the Revolver are to be
utilized for the future general working capital needs of the Borrower and
standby letters of credit.

          (d)  Borrowing Procedures and Requirements and Election of Interest
Rates and Periods. For each new Loan, or the conversion or continuation of an
existing Loan hereunder, the following shall apply:

               (i)  Borrower shall give Lender not less than three (3) Banking
Days prior written notice of any requested Advance as to LIBOR Loans and
written notice, not later than 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the date a Variable
Rate Loan is requested, which notice(s) shall: (i) specify the amount of the
Advance requested and if a LIBOR Loan, the Interest Period selected and (ii)
the date the Advance is to be made. Any such notice(s) shall be deemed
irrevocable upon receipt by Lender;

               (ii) Each Variable Rate Loan shall be in amount of not less than
One Hundred Thousand ($100,000.00) Dollars;



                                      8

<PAGE>


               (iii) Each LIBOR Loan shall be in an amount of not less than
Five Hundred Thousand ($500,000.00) Dollars with increments of One Hundred
Thousand ($100,000.00) Dollars in excess of such sum and each LIBOR Loan shall
be elected for an Interest Period of either thirty (30) or ninety (90) days,
provided that no Interest Period for a LIBOR Loan may expire after the
Maturity Date;

               (iv) On or prior to the date which is three (3) Banking Days
before a Roll-Over Date as to the continuation of existing LIBOR Loans and at
any time on or prior to three (3) Banking Days before a requested conversion
of an existing Variable Rate Loan to a LIBOR Loan, the Borrower may exercise
its options as to the Interest Periods of such LIBOR Loan by providing Lender
with a completed and signed Notice of Conversion/Continuation substantially in
the form of Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof;

               (v)  In the event the Borrower fails to elect a LIBOR Rate or
Interest Period either when requesting an Advance or three (3) Banking Days
before any RollOver Date, such new Advance shall automatically bear interest
at the LIBOR Rate for a thirty (30) day Interest Period;

               (vi) All Variable Rate Loans shall continue as such unless and
until the Borrower seeks to convert them to LIBOR Loans pursuant to the terms
hereof.


3.   CAPITAL EXPENDITURE FACILITY:

          (a)  Amount. (i) Until September 30, 1998 or such earlier date as
Borrower shall elect (the "Conversion Date"), provided there has not occurred
and is not continuing an Event of Default or an event which, with the giving
of notice or the lapse of time, or both, would become an Event of Default,
Lender will provide, at one time or from time to time, at the request of
Borrower, Loans for the purpose of Capital Expenditures up to but not in
excess of the aggregate sum of Twenty Million ($20,000,000.00) Dollars.

          (b)  Borrowing Procedures and Requirements and Election of Interest
Rates and Periods. For each new Loan, or the conversion or continuation of an
existing Loan hereunder, the following shall apply:

               (i)  With respect to each Capital Expenditure Loan the Borrower
shall give Lender three (3) Banking Days prior written notice of its request
for such Loan. The notice shall specify the purpose of the Loan, the proposed
date of the Loan, the interest rate option selected and present to the Lender
a true copy of the invoice of the manufacturer, distributor or supplier from
whom the items are being or have been purchased, within twelve (12) months prior
to the date hereof, and within thirty (30) days after the Loan is made proof
of payment thereof. Upon receipt of the request for a Capital Expenditure Loan
the Lender shall make a Loan to Borrower for the full amount of the invoice,
including soft costs such as delivery expense and sales tax;




                                      9

<PAGE>



               (ii) Each Variable Rate Loan shall be in amount of not less
than One Hundred Thousand ($100,000.00) Dollars;

               (iii) Each LIBOR Loan shall be in an amount of not less than
Five Hundred Thousand ($500,000.00) Dollars with increments of One Hundred
Thousand ($100,000.00) Dollars in excess of such sum and each LIBOR Loan shall
be elected for an Interest Period of either thirty (30) or ninety (90) days,
provided that no Interest Period for a LIBOR Loan may expire after the
Termination Date;

               (iv) On or prior to the date which is three (3) Banking Days
before a Roll-Over Date as to the continuation of existing LIBOR Loans and at
any time on or prior to three (3) Banking Days before a requested conversion
of an existing Variable Rate Loan to a LIBOR Loan, the Borrower may exercise
its options as to the Interest Periods of such LIBOR Loan by providing Lender
with a completed and signed Notice of Conversion/Continuation substantially in
the form of Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof;

               (v)  In the event the Borrower fails to elect a LIBOR Rate or
Interest Period either when requesting a Loan or three (3) Banking Days before
any RollOver Date, such new Loan shall automatically be a Variable Rate Loan
and the LIBOR Loan for which the Interest Period is to expire shall
automatically bear interest at the LIBOR Rate for a thirty (30) Interest
Period;

               (vi) All Variable Rate Loans shall continue as such unless and
until the Borrower seeks to convert them to LIBOR Loans pursuant to the terms
hereof.

          (c)  Use of Loan Proceeds: The proceeds of the Capital Expenditures
Facility shall be used for Capital Expenditures provided however, until March
31, 1997, up to Seven Million ($7,000,000.00) Dollars of such proceeds may
also be used for general working capital needs. On or before March 31, 1997
Borrower shall, with out demand, repay to Lender all outstanding Loans made
under the Capital Expenditure Facility for expenditures other than Capital
Expenditures.

          (d)  Repayment: The Capital Expenditure Loan shall be evidenced by
the Capital Expenditure Note and until the Conversion Date Borrower shall pay
Lender interest only on the Capital Expenditure Loan. On the Conversion Date
the then outstanding principal balance of the Capital Expenditure Loan shall
be converted to a five (5) year term loan with a balloon payment due at final
maturity of the lesser of Four Million ($4,000,000.00) Dollars or twenty
percent (20%) of the unpaid principal balance as of the Conversion Date. The
Term Loan, excluding the balloon payment will be repaid in fifty nine (59) as
nearly equal consecutive monthly installments as shall be practicable and then
a sixtieth (60th) and final balloon payment of the unpaid principal balance
plus interest. In addition to principal, Borrower shall pay interest, at the
calculated based upon the Interest Rate Option elected by Borrower. Payments
of principal


                                      10

<PAGE>



and interest after conversion shall begin on the first Banking
Day of the second month following the Conversion Date.

          (e)  Prepayment. The Capital Expenditure Loan may be prepaid in full
or in part at any time without premium or penalty. However, in the event the
Capital Expenditure Loan is prepaid as a result of refinancing by another
lender, Borrower shall be deemed to have terminated this Agreement and the
terms of Section 16.2 below shall apply. Any partial prepayment made pursuant
to this section shall be applied in the inverse order of its maturity.

     4.   LETTERS OF CREDIT: (a) Letters of Credit. Between the date hereof and
the Maturity Date of the Revolving Loan, so long as no Event of Default or
event which, but for the elapse of time or the giving of notice would
constitute an Event of Default has occurred and subject to the satisfaction by
Borrower of the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, Lender shall issue
requested Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower. Each Letter of
Credit shall be in form and substance satisfactory to Lender and without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, issuance of all Letters of Credit
shall be on the following terms and conditions:

               (i)  Maximum Amount. The aggregate outstanding undrawn upon face
amount of all Letters of Credit, including unreimbursed drawings thereunder
and banker's acceptances related thereto shall not exceed the sum of Three
Million ($3,000,000.00) Dollars.

               (ii) Term. No Letter of Credit shall have a stated term of more
than one (1) year but in any event a stated expiration date which is later
than five (5) Banking Days prior to the Termination Date.

               (iii)Application. The Letter of Credit and each renewal
thereof shall be issued in accordance with Lender's then current practices
relating to the issuance of Letters of Credit, and only after receipt by
Lender of its then current application and agreement for a Letter of Credit
properly completed and executed by Borrower and delivered to Lender at least
three (3) Banking Days prior to the requested reissuance date.

               (iv) Fees and other charges. Borrower shall pay to Lender, a
nonrefundable fee to be established by the Lender from time to time at the
time of the issuance or reissuance of each Letter of Credit for the issuance,
administration, amendment, extension, replacement, reissuance and transfer of
Letter of Credit, including but not limited to, any amendment, extension,
replacement, substitution, modification, renewal, reissuance or assignment
thereof, along with any incidental expenses incurred by Lender in connection
therewith (such as overnight delivery charges). In addition Borrower shall pay
Lender an annual fee equal to 1/2 of 1% of the face amount of each standby
Letter of Credit which fee shall be payable in quarterly installments, in
advance.

          (b)  Payments upon Draw. Upon any draw upon a Letter of Credit,
Borrower hereby agrees to repay immediately to Lender on the same day such
draw is honored by Lender,



                                      11

<PAGE>


the amount of such draw, together with any and all costs or expenses which
Lender may incur in connection therewith, without any requirement of notice,
presentment or demand by Lender, all of which are hereby waived by Borrower.
In order to implement the foregoing, unless Lender is immediately reimbursed
with other funds, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.1(d) hereof,
Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs Lender to (a) treat such
draw as a request for a Revolving Loan in the amount of such draw; (b) make a
Revolving Variable Rate Loan in the aggregate amount of such draw; and (c)
retain the proceeds of such Revolving Loan as reimbursement of such draw.

          (c)  Payment Upon Bankruptcy, Etc. If an Event of Default pursuant to
Section 9, specifically including those under subsection 9.4, should occur
when there are unexpired Letters of Credit, Borrower hereby irrevocably
authorizes and directs Lender to make a Revolving Loan in the amount of the
aggregate undrawn face amount of such unexpired Letters of Credit, the
proceeds of which Revolving Loan shall be placed in a deposit account known as
the Reimbursement Deposit Account, for the sole benefit of and under the sole
dominion and control of Lender, which shall be used to reimburse Lender for
draws upon such Letters of Credit. If from time to time outstanding Letters of
Credit expire, so that funds remain in the Reimbursement Deposit Account which
exceed the then aggregate undrawn face amount of the remaining Letters of
Credit, such excess funds shall be applied by Lender to reduce the outstanding
Obligations.

          (d)  Payments After Termination of Facility. If all Revolving Loans
have been paid and this Agreement is terminated for any reason, whether on or
prior to the Maturity Date, Borrower shall immediately, upon demand, deposit
into, and keep on deposit in, the Reimbursement Deposit Account, for the sole
benefit of and under the sole dominion and control of Lender, an amount equal
to at least 105% of the aggregate undrawn face amounts of all outstanding
Letters of Credit, for the purpose of providing Lender with reimbursement of
draws under the Letters of Credit and of fees or other expenses due and owing
to Lender. At such time as Lender shall have no further obligations under and
pursuant to any Letter of Credit and after reimbursing itself for all draws
under any Letter of Credit and any fees or other expenses due and owing in
connection therewith, Lender shall remit the balance of the Reimbursement
Deposit Account, if any, to the order of Borrower.

          (e)  Conditions Precedent to Loans Pursuant to Section 4.b. All
Revolving Loans made pursuant to Section 4.b shall be made whether or not at
the time of such Revolving Loan all conditions precedent to the making of
Revolving Loans have been met. For the sole purpose of implementing Section
4.e, any provisions of this Agreement which are inconsistent herewith are
superseded.

          (f)  Letter of Credit Indemnification. The Revolving Loans
contemplated by Section 4.f, (hereinafter referred to as "Letter of Credit
Advances") shall in no event be deemed to be discretionary or voluntary.
Borrower covenants and agrees to pay, protect, indemnify and hold harmless
Lender from and against any and all costs and expenses, including, but not
limited to, reasonable attorneys' fees and experts' costs and expenses,
incurred by Lender as a



                                      12

<PAGE>


result of the allegation by any Person that the Letter of Credit Advance in
question was discretionary or voluntary on the part of Lender.

          (g)  Uniform Customs and Practices for Documentary Credits. Each
Letter of Credit shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance
with the Uniform Custom and Practices for Letters of Credit (the "UCP") and if
and to the extent there is any conflict or inconsistency between the UCC and
the UCP, the UCP shall govern. In no event shall Lender have any obligation to
issue (a) a "Revolving Documentary Credit," as defined in the UCP; (b) a "Red
Clause Documentary Credit," as defined in the UCP; (c) an authenticated
teletransmission or pre-advice of any Letter of Credit; or (d) any Letter of
Credit if Lender determines, which determination shall be final, conclusive
and binding on Borrower, that the terms and conditions of the Letter of Credit
sought by Borrower and/or the use of the proceeds of such Letter of Credit are
not in compliance with the internal policies of Lender.

          (h)  Payment Obligations. The payment obligations of Borrower under
this section 4 shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable and shall be
paid strictly in accordance with the terms of the Letter of Credit and this
Agreement under all circumstances, including, without limitation, the
following circumstances: (i) the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or
other right which Borrower may have at any time against any beneficiary or
transferee of the Letter of Credit, or Lender or any other Person, whether or
not in connection with this Agreement; (ii) any statement or document
presented under the Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid
or insufficient or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate; and (iii)
payment by Lender under the Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft
or certificate which does not comply with the terms of the Letter of Credit,
unless a Court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final, non-appealable
judgment, such payment to have resulted primarily and directly from the gross
negligence or willful misconduct of Lender.

          (i)  Supplemental Provisions. The provisions of any application or
agreement related to the Letter of Credit are supplemental to, and not in
derogation of, any rights and remedies of Lender under this Agreement, the
Relevant Documents, at law, in equity, by arbitration or otherwise.

          (j)  Suspension of Commitment to Issue Letter of Credit. If any
restrictions are imposed by any governmental rule preventing Lender from
issuing letters of credit, the commitment of Lender to issue the Letter of
Credit hereunder shall immediately be suspended.


5.   INTEREST AND OTHER CHARGES / SPECIAL PROVISIONS:

     5.1  Interest Rate. Except as herein provided, the Revolver and the
Capital Expenditure Facility shall bear interest as follows:

          (a)  As to Variable Rate Loans, during each calendar month at a
fluctuating interest rate per annum equal at all times to one percentage point
per annum below the Prime



                                      13

<PAGE>



Rate, as such Prime Rate may change from time to time without notice to
Borrower. Interest shall be calculated, on a daily basis, with each day
representing 1/360th of a year;

          (b)  As to LIBOR Loans, at the applicable Fixed LIBOR Rate per annum
applicable to such LIBOR Loan which interest shall be calculated, on a daily
basis, with each day representing 1/360th of a year;

          (c)  The LIBOR Rate for each Loan and Interest Period shall be
adjusted (up or down) on the next interest due date after the Applicable
Margin is determined, but until so determined interest shall be calculated
based upon the last determined Applicable Margin.

     5.2  Payment of Interest. All accrued and unpaid interest on Variable Rate
Loans and LIBOR Loans shall be charged by Lender to Borrower's operating
account with Lender on the first Banking Day of each calendar month.

     5.3  Default Rate. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, upon
the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default hereunder,
the interest rate charged to Borrower on the Loans shall, at Bank's
discretion, be increased by two (2) percentage points per annum in excess of
the then applicable rate.

     5.4  Maximum Rate. In no event shall the interest rate charged under this
Loan Agreement be higher than the maximum lawful rate. In the event the
interest received by the Lender exceeds the maximum lawful rate such excess
shall be credited to Borrower.

     5.5  Unused Commitment Fee. The Borrower shall pay to the Lender
quarterly, in arrears, a fee calculated as one-quarter of one (.25%) percent
per annum, calculated on the basis of a 360-day year, of the average daily
unused portion of the Revolver, which fee shall be charged by Lender to
Borrower's operating account with Lender on the last day of each calendar
quarter.

     5.6  Special Provisions Relating to LIBOR Loans.

          (a)  If the last Interest Period during the term of the Revolver
shall end prior to the Termination Date, the entire outstanding principal
balance of the Revolver shall, for the remainder of the term of the Revolver,
bear interest at the Variable Rate.

          (b) In the event the Borrower should seek to elect the LIBOR Rate,
and in the event and on each occasion that on the day which is three (3)
Banking Days prior to a particular Interest Period, the Lender shall have
determined in good faith (which determination shall be conclusive and binding
upon the Borrower) that U.S. Dollar deposits in an amount approximately equal
to the requested LIBOR Loan are not generally available at such time in the
London Interbank Market, or reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the
LIBOR Rate for such LIBOR Loan for such Interest Period, the Lender shall so
notify Borrower (telephonic notice being deemed sufficient), and with respect
to existing LIBOR Loans the interest rate applicable to such LIBOR Loan shall
automatically convert to the Variable Rate as of the impending Roll



                                      14

<PAGE>



Over Date for such LIBOR Loan (whether or not such notice has been previously
provided to the Borrower) and with respect to any new Advance such Loan shall
be a Variable Rate Loan, it being understood and agreed that the Variable Rate
shall remain in effect thereafter with respect to such Loan unless and until
the Lender shall have determined in good faith (which determination shall be
conclusive and binding upon the Borrower) that the aforesaid circumstances no
longer exist, whereupon such Loan may be converted, upon notice to and consent
of Borrower, to a LIBOR Loan, with the LIBOR Rate determined in the manner
specified in the definitions of Fixed LIBOR Rate and Base LIBOR Rate and LIBOR
Rate set forth in Sections 1.Q, 1.E and 1.Y above, within ten (10) Banking
Days of Lender's making such determination.

          (c)  Each determination of a LIBOR Rate, the Fixed LIBOR Rate and the
Base LIBOR Rate applicable to a particular Interest Period shall be made by
the Lender and shall be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower, absent
manifest error.

          (d) If any change in any law or regulation or in the interpretation
thereof by any governmental authority charged with the administration or
interpretation thereof shall make it unlawful for the Lender to make or
maintain a LIBOR Rate with respect to any Loan or to fund any Loan at a Rate
related to LIBOR in the London Interbank Market or to give effect to its
obligations as contemplated hereby, then, upon notice by the Lender to the
Borrower, the interest rate applicable to all new Advances shall be the
Variable Rate and the interest rate applicable to all LIBOR Loans shall be
automatically converted to the Variable Rate, it being agreed that any
notice given by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to this section
shall, such change in law, regulation or interpretation permitting, be
effective on the impending Roll Over Date(s) as to such LIBOR Loan(s), or,
shall such change not be so permitting, be effective immediately upon notice
being given by the Lender to the Borrower, and that the Variable Rate shall
thereafter remain in effect with respect to all affected LIBOR Loans unless
and until the Lender shall have determined, in good faith (which determination
shall be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower) that the aforesaid
circumstances no longer exist, whereupon Loans may be converted to LIBOR
Loans, upon notice to and consent by Borrower (unless such conversion is
mandated by law or regulation, whereupon no such notice or consent shall be
required) with the LIBOR Rate determined in the manner specified in the
definitions of the LIBOR Rate, Fixed LIBOR Rate and Base LIBOR Rate set forth
in Sections 1.Y, 1.Q. and 1.E above, within ten (10) Banking Days after such
good faith determination by the Lender. If, as a result of such determination,
the interest rate is converted to the Variable Rate on a date other than a
Roll Over Date, the Borrower shall pay to Lender, on demand, an amount equal
to the prepayment premium (i.e. breakage fee) which would have n the date the
interest rate was converted to the Variable Rate.


6.       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES:

         6.1 Organization and Qualification. Borrower hereby represents and
warrants to Lender, knowing and intending that Lender shall rely thereon in
making the loans contemplated hereby, that:



                                      15

<PAGE>



          (a)  Borrower has been and will continue to be a corporation duly
organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Delaware and is and will continue to be qualified and in good
standing in all jurisdictions wherein the character of the property owned or
the nature of the business transacted by Borrower makes licensing or
qualification as a foreign entity necessary and wherein the result of a
failure to maintain such good standing would be material and adverse to the
Borrower.

          (b)  A true, accurate and complete copy of Borrower's valid
resolution authorizing the transaction contemplated herein, and Borrower's
certificate of incorporation all as in effect on the date hereof and certified
by the Secretary of the Borrower have heretofore been delivered to Lender.

     6.2  Due Authorization; No Default. (a) The execution, delivery and
performance of this Loan Agreement and the Relevant Documents has been duly
authorized by all necessary action on the part of Borrower; is not
inconsistent with its certificate of incorporation, by-laws and other
governing documents; does not contravene any law, governmental rule,
regulation or order applicable to Borrower; and does not and will not
contravene any provision of, or constitute a default under, any material
indenture, mortgage, contract or other instrument or any order, writ,
injunction or decree to which Borrower is a party or by which it or its
properties or assets are bound.

          (b)  This Loan Agreement and the Relevant Documents, upon their
execution and delivery, and assuming due execution and delivery by Lender,
will constitute the legal, valid and binding agreements of Borrower,
enforceable in accordance with their terms except as may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws
at the time in effect.

     6.3  No Governmental Consent Necessary. No consent or approval of, giving
of notice to, registration with or taking of any other action in respect of
any governmental authority or agency, except the New Jersey Economic
Development Authority, is required with respect to the execution, delivery and
performance by Borrower of this Loan Agreement and the Relevant Documents.

     6.4  No Proceedings. There are no actions, suits, or proceedings pending
or to Borrower's knowledge, threatened against or affecting Borrower in any
court or before any governmental commission, board or authority which, if
adversely determined, will have an adverse effect on the ability of Borrower
to perform its responsibilities under this Loan Agreement or the Relevant
Documents; the Borrower is not in default with respect to any order of any
court, arbitrator or governmental or non-governmental body; and the Borrower
is not subject to or a party to any order of any court or governmental or
non-governmental body arising out of any action, suit or proceeding under any
statute or other law respecting anti-trust, monopoly, restraint of trade,
unfair competition or similar matters.


                                      16

<PAGE>



     6.5  Financial Statements. (a) Subject to any limitation stated therein,
all balance sheets, income statements and other financial data (as set forth
in Borrower's December 31, 1995 10K, March 31, 1996 10Q, June 30, 1996 10Q and
September 30, 1996 10Q, all as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission) fairly present the financial condition and results of operations
of Borrower in all material respects as at the respective dates thereof and
the results of its operations for the periods for which the same are furnished
to Lender. All other information, reports and other papers and data furnished
to Lender are, or will be at the time the same are so furnished, true,
accurate and complete in all material respects. All such financial statements
and other information have been, or will have been at the time of issuance,
(i) as to Borrower's annual financial statements, prepared by certified public
accountants in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and (ii) as to
interim statements, will fairly present the financial condition and results of
operations of Borrower in all material respects.

          (b)  Except as shown on the most recent financial statements which
have been delivered to Lender and which are specified on Schedule 2 annexed
hereto and made part hereof, Borrower has no other liabilities as of the date
hereof which would materially and adversely affect the financial condition of
Borrower.

     6.6  Changes in Financial Condition. (a) Except as disclosed in Schedule
2, there has been no material adverse change in Borrower's financial condition
since the date of its last financial statements identified on such Schedule 2.

          (b)  Borrower's assets, at fair valuation, exceed Borrower's
liabilities (including without limitation contingent liabilities); Borrower is
paying its debts as they become due; and Borrower has capital and assets
sufficient to carry on its business.

     6.7  Taxes and Assessments. Borrower has paid and discharged when due all
taxes (as reflected on its filed tax returns), assessments and other
governmental charges which may lawfully be levied or assessed upon its income
and profits, or upon all or any portion of any property belonging to it,
whether real, personal or mixed, to the extent that such taxes, assessments
and other charges have become due, except those being contested in good faith
and for which sufficient reserves have been set aside or which would not have
a material adverse effect upon the Borrower. Borrower has filed all tax
returns, federal, state and local, and all related information, required to be
filed by it.

     6.8  ERISA. Borrower is in compliance in all material respects with the
provisions of ERISA, and the related provisions of the Internal Revenue Code,
and with all regulations and published interpretations issued thereunder by
the United States Treasury Department, the United States Department of Labor
and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC"). There has occurred no
transaction that is prohibited by Section 406 of ERISA or that constitutes a
"prohibited transaction" under Section 4975(c) of the Internal Revenue Code
and with respect to which a prohibited transaction exemption has not been
granted and is not currently in effect. No reportable event as defined in
Section 4043 of ERISA has occurred with respect to Plan. No notice of
intention to terminate a Plan has been filed nor has any Plan been terminated;
the PBGC has not instituted proceedings to terminate, or to appoint a trustee
to administer, any Plan,



                                      17

<PAGE>


nor do circumstances exist that could reasonably be expected to constitute
grounds for any such proceedings; and neither Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate
has completely or partially withdrawn from any multiemployer Plan described in
Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA. Borrower and each ERISA Affiliate have met the
minimum funding standards under ERISA with respect to each of its Plans; no
Plan has an accumulated funding deficiency or waived funding deficiency within
the meaning of ERISA; and no material liability to the PBGC under ERISA has
been incurred by Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.

     6.9  O.S.H.A./E.P.A. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.9, to the best of
Borrower's knowledge, Borrower has duly complied, in all material respects,
with, and its facilities, business assets, property, leaseholds and equipment
are in compliance in all material respects with, the provisions of the Federal
Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Environmental Protection Act, and
all rules and regulations thereunder and all similar state and local laws,
rules and regulations; and there are no outstanding citations, notices or
orders of noncompliance issued to Borrower or relating to its business,
assets, property, leaseholds or equipment under any such laws, rules or
regulations.

     6.10 Environmental Matters. No property owned or used by Borrower and
located in the State of New Jersey is an "industrial establishment" within the
meaning of the New Jersey Industrial Site Recovery Act ("ISRA") or is or, to
the best of Borrower's knowledge, has been used for the generation,
manufacture, refining, transportation, treatment, storage, handling or
disposal of any "hazardous substances" or "hazardous wastes" within the
meaning of ISRA. The following are all of the Standard Industrial
Classification Codes applicable to the properties and operations of Borrower:
2841.

          (b)  To the best of Borrower's knowledge, Borrower is in compliance
in all material respects with all applicable federal, state and local
statutes, rules, regulations, orders and other provisions of law relating to
air emissions, water discharge, noise emissions, solid and liquid disposal,
hazardous waste and substances, and other environmental, health and safety
matters.

     6.11 No Other Violation. Borrower is not in violation of any term of its
certificate of incorporation or by-laws and no event or condition has occurred
and is continuing which constitutes or results in, (or would constitute or
result in, with the giving of notice, lapse of time or other condition):

          (a)  A breach of or a default under any material agreement,
undertaking or instrument to which Borrower is a party or by which it may be
affected; or

          (b)  The imposition of any lien, encumbrance or restriction on any
property of Borrower, except as noted in Schedule 3 hereof.

     6.12 Margin Stock. No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used,
directly or indirectly, to purchase or carry any "margin stock" (as defined in
Regulation U issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System),
to extend credit to others for the purpose of



                                      18

<PAGE>

purchasing or carrying any such margin stock, or for any purpose that violates
any provision of Regulations G, T, U or X issued by the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System.

     6.13 Other Liens. Borrower has good and marketable title to and owns all
of its assets free and clear of any and all liens, encumbrances or security
interests whatsoever, except (i) those encumbrances created pursuant to this
Loan Agreement; and (ii) those encumbrances set forth on Schedule 3 annexed
hereto and made a part hereof. None of the assets are subject to any
prohibition against encumbering, pledging, hypothecating or assigning the same
or requires notice or consent prior to Borrower's doing of the same.

     6.14 Books and Records. Borrower maintains its books and records at 1735
Jersey Avenue, North Brunswick, New Jersey 08902.

     6.15 Representations and Warranties True, Accurate, and Complete.

          (a)  None of the representations, warranties or statements made to
Lender pursuant hereto or in connection with this Loan Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby contains any untrue statement of a material
fact, or omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to
make the statements contained herein and therein, in light of the
circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.

          (b)  All warranties and representations made herein or in the
Relevant Documents by Borrower will be true and accurate, in all material
respects, at the time it requests Lender to make Advances to it hereunder.

     6.16 Names; Location of Office. Schedule 6 annexed hereto and made part
hereof sets forth a complete and accurate list of:

          (a)  All names by which the Borrower is known or under which the
Borrower is conducting business, including, without limitation, its corporate
names and all trade names;

          (b)  All offices and locations at or out of which the Borrower
conducts any of its business or operations; and

          (c)  Borrower's chief executive office.


7.   AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS:

     Until payment in full of all Obligations and the termination of this
Loan Agreement, Borrower covenants and agrees that it will:

     7.1  Notify Lender. Promptly inform Lender if any one or more of the
representations and warranties made by Borrower in this Loan Agreement or in
any Relevant Document shall no longer be true, accurate and complete in all
material respects.



                                      19

<PAGE>



     7.2  Pay Taxes and Liabilities; Comply with Agreements. Except those being
contested in good faith and for which adequate reserves have been set aside or
which will not have a material adverse effect on Borrower, promptly pay, when
due, all indebtedness, sumsand liabilities of any kind now or hereafter owing
by Borrower to any party however created, incurred, evidenced, acquired,
arising or payable, including without limitation the Obligations, income and
excise taxes and taxes with respect to any of the Collateral, or any wages or
salaries paid by Borrower or otherwise.

     7.3  Observe Covenants, etc. Observe, perform and comply, in all material
respects, with the covenants, terms and conditions of this Loan Agreement, the
Relevant Documents and any other agreement or document entered into between
Borrower and Lender.

     7.4  Maintain Corporate Existence and Qualifications. Maintain and
preserve, and cause any Subsidiary to maintain and preserve, in full force and
effect, its corporate existence and rights, franchises, licenses and
qualifications necessary to continue its businesses and comply in all material
respects with all applicable statutes, rules and regulations pertaining to the
operation, conduct and maintenance of its existence and business including,
without limitation, all federal, state and local laws relating to Benefit
Plans, environmental, safety, or health matters, and hazardous or liquid waste
or chemicals or other liquids (including use, sale, transport and disposal
thereof).

     7.5  Information and Documents to Be Furnished to Lender. Borrower shall
furnish to Lender:

          (a)  Annual Consolidated Financial Statements. As soon as delivered
to any other creditor, but in no event later than ninety (90) days after the
end of each fiscal year, on a consolidated basis with all of Borrower's
consolidated Subsidiaries, Borrower's balance sheet as at the end of such
year, Borrower's statements of cash flow for such fiscal year and Borrower's
statements of income for such fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, all
prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, and all audited without
qualification by independent certified public accountants of recognized
standing selected by Borrower and reasonably satisfactory to Lender, which
accountants shall state that said statements fairly present, in all material
respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Borrower as at
the end of each such fiscal year and were prepared in accordance with GAAP,
and, together with such statements, (i) the certificate of such certified
public accountants, stating that, based upon their examination of the affairs
of the Borrower performed in connection with such statements, they are not
aware of the occurrence or existence of any condition or event which
constitutes an Event of Default or, if they are aware thereof, the nature
thereof, and (ii) a written acknowledgment by such accountant of Lender's
reliance upon such financial statement in form and substance reasonably
acceptable to Lender, and (iii) in addition to such statements, any
supplementary information to the financial reports as Lender shall reasonably
require.

          (b)  Quarterly Consolidated and Consolidating Financial Statements.
As soon as delivered to any other creditor but in no event later than
forty-five (45) days after the end of



                                      20

<PAGE>


each quarter-annual fiscal period of Borrower except the fourth, on a
consolidated and consolidating basis with all of Borrower's consolidated
subsidiaries, Borrower's balance sheets as at the end of such period, and
Borrower's cumulative income and surplus statements for the period beginning
on the first day of such fiscal year and ended on the date of such balance
sheet, all in reasonable detail all prepared by Borrower's management and
certified to by Borrower's chief financial officer, treasurer or controller as
being prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to the
usual and ordinary year end adjustments and absence of footnotes, and, in
addition to such statements, any supplementary information to the financial
reports as Lender shall reasonably require.

          (c)  Monthly Agings. As soon as delivered to any other creditor but
in no event later than thirty (30) days after the end of each month, summary
aging reports of accounts receivable and accounts payable shown on Borrower's
books as of the close of the preceding month, all in form and substance
satisfactory to Lender.

          (d)  Officer Certification. With each annual and quarterly financial
statement, a certification by Borrower's chief financial officer, treasurer or
controller, stating that, to the best of said person's knowledge, there has
occurred no Event of Default or event which, but for the lapse of time or
giving of notice or both, would constitute an Event of Default hereunder or
under any Relevant Document, as of the date of such statement, and providing
evidence of the method of calculating compliance with covenants 8.12 through
8.15.

          (e)  Management Letters. Promptly upon receipt, a copy of each
management letter, if any, provided to Borrower by its certified public
accountants at any time.

          (f)  Notice of Environmental, Health or Safety Complaints.
Immediately, notice or copies if written of all material claims, complaints,
orders, citations or notices, whether formal or informal, written or oral,
from any governmental body or private person or entity, relating to air
emissions, water discharge, noise emission, solid or liquid waste disposal,
hazardous waste or materials, or any other environmental, health or safety
matter. Such notices shall include, among other information, the name of the
party who filed the claim, the potential amount of the claim, and the nature
of the claim.

          (g)  Other Information. Immediately upon request:

               (i)  Certificates of insurance for all policies of insurance to
be maintained by Borrower pursuant hereto;

               (ii) ERISA Documents. All ERISA reports, notices, returns and
all other documents filed as required by or in compliance with ERISA, whether
to the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Labor, the Pension Benefit
Guaranty Corporation or any other appropriate agency, and all documents and
information distributed to participants in any Plan;

                                   21

<PAGE>

               (iii) Any notice of a default under the Loan Agreement between
Borrower and the New Jersey Economic Authority, the Reimbursement Agreement
between Borrower and Banque Nationale De Paris, Houston Agency, both dated
April 15, 1993 or any other documents executed in conjunction with the sale of
the New Jersey Economic Development Authority Economic Growth Bonds (Composite
Issue-1992 Second);

               (iv) From time to time, such other information as Lender may
reasonably request with respect to the Borrower or any Guarantor.

     7.6  Access to Records and Property. At any time and from time to time,
upon request by and not less than twenty-four (24) hours notice from Lender,
give any representatives of Lender access during normal business hours to, and
permit any of them to examine, audit, copy or make extracts from, any and all
books, records and documents in the possession of Borrower or any independent
contractor relating to Borrower's affairs, and to inspect any of its
properties wherever located. Lender agrees to keep and hold all non-public
information obtained from Borrower confidential (except to the extent that
Lender becomes legally compelled to disclose such information.)

     7.7  Comply With Laws. Comply with the requirements of all applicable
laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority, compliance
with which is necessary to maintain its corporate existence or the conduct of
its business in all material respects or non-compliance with which would
materially and adversely affect its ability to perform its responsibilities or
any security given to secure its Obligations.

     7.8  Insurance Required. (a) Cause to be maintained, in full force and
effect on all property given as collateral security for all Obligations,
insurance in such amounts and against such risks as is reasonably satisfactory
to Lender, including, but without limitation, product liability, fire, boiler,
theft, burglary, pilferage, loss in transit, business interruption, credit
insurance and hazard insurance. Said insurance policy or policies shall:

               (i)  Be in a form and with insurers which are reasonably
satisfactory to Lender;

               (ii) Be for such risks and for such insured values as Lender or
its assigns may reasonably require in order to replace the property in the
event of actual or constructive total loss;

               (iii) Designate Lender and its assignees, as additional loss
payees and insureds as their interests may from time to time appear;

               (iv) Contain a "Breach of Warranty" clause whereby the insurer
agrees that a breach of the insuring conditions or any negligence by Borrower
or any other Person shall not invalidate the insurance as to Lender and its
assignees; and



                                      22

<PAGE>



               (v)  Provide that they may not be canceled or materially altered
without thirty (30) days prior notice to Lender and its assignees.

          (b)  Additional Insurance. Obtain such additional insurance as Lender
may reasonably require.

          (c)  Notice of Loss. In the event of loss or damage, forthwith notify
Lender and file proofs of loss with the appropriate insurer.

          (d)  No Duty for Lender. In no event shall Lender be required either
to (i) ascertain the existence of or examine any insurance policy or (ii)
advise Borrower in the event such insurance coverage shall not comply with the
requirements of this Loan Agreement.

     7.9  Bank Accounts. At all times, maintain its primary operating
account(s) with Lender.

     7.10 Further Assurances. At any time or from time to time upon request of
Lender, execute and deliver such further documents and do such other acts and
things as Lender may reasonably request in order to effectuate more fully the
purposes of this Loan Agreement, the Relevant Documents and any other
instruments, documents and agreements which shall be executed simultaneously
herewith, or which may hereafter be executed by Borrower with regard to the
transactions contemplated hereby.

     7.11 Pay Legal Fees and Expenses. Pay to Lender, upon demand, together
with interest at the rate set forth in Section 5.3 hereof, from the date when
incurred or advanced by Lender until repaid by Borrower all costs, expenses or
other sums incurred or advanced by Lender (including reasonable legal fees and
disbursements) to collect the Obligations, or to preserve and protect its
interests, or to enforce Lender's rights as against Borrower or any Guarantor,
or in the prosecution or defense of any action or proceeding related to the
subject matter of this Loan Agreement or the Relevant Documents, including
without limitation reasonable legal fees, expenses and disbursements. All such
expenses, costs and other sums shall be deemed Obligations.


8.   NEGATIVE COVENANTS:

     Until payment in full of all Obligations, Borrower covenants and
agrees that it and its consolidated Subsidiaries, (unless such entity is
specifically excepted), will not:

     8.1  No Consolidation, Merger, Acquisition. Consolidate with, merge with,
acquire the stock or assets of any Person, firm, joint venture, partnership,
corporation, or other entity, whether by merger, consolidation, purchase of
stock or otherwise, except mergers, acquisitions and consolidations which,
after giving effect to such merger, acquisition and consolidation will not
cause any violation of the covenants and agreements contained in this Loan
Agreement and



                                      23

<PAGE>


so long as the Lender is given prior notice of the merger, acquisition or
consolidation and with respect to a merger, Borrower, or if applicable a
Subsidiary, is the surviving entity of the merger.

     8.2  Disposition of Assets. Sell, lease, transfer, convey or otherwise
dispose of all or substantially all of its assets, other than in the ordinary
course of business or the sale or other disposition of unusable or obsolete
equipment.

     8.3  Liens. Incur, create or permit to exist any mortgage, assignment,
pledge, hypothecation, security interest, lien or other encumbrance on any of
its property or assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, except (a)
liens for taxes not delinquent; (b) those liens in favor of Lender created by
this Loan Agreement and Relevant Documents; (c) those existing liens set forth
on Schedule 3 annexed hereto and made part hereof and (d) Permitted Liens.

     8.4  Negative Pledges. Incur, create or permit to exist any negative
pledge with respect to its assets or properties in any other mortgage,
security agreement, pledge, hypothecation or other agreement entered into with
any other Person.

     8.5  Other Liabilities. Incur, create, assume or permit to exist any
indebtedness or liability on account of either borrowed money or the deferred
purchase price of property, except (a) Obligations to Lender; (b) indebtedness
subordinated to payment of the Obligations on terms approved by Lender in
writing; (c) those liabilities existing on the date hereof and (d) liabilities
for Permitted Liens.

     8.6  Loans. Make loans to any Person, except loans to employees or loans
to Subsidiaries, not to exceed $300,000.00 and $500,000.00, respectively, in
aggregate outstanding principal balances at any time.

     8.7  Guarantees. Except for the benefit of Lender (or its Subsidiaries up
to the sum of $1,000,000.00 in the aggregate at any time outstanding,
inclusive of loans to such Subsidiaries permitted pursuant to ss.8.6), assume,
guarantee, endorse, contingently agree to purchase or otherwise become liable
upon the obligation of any Person except (a) by the endorsement of negotiable
instruments for deposit or collection or similar transactions in the ordinary
course of business or (b) contingent obligations under letters of credit
entered into in the ordinary course of business for the purchase of
merchandise for resale.

     8.8  Change Business. Materially change or alter the nature of its
business.

     8.9  Dividends: At any time there shall have occurred and be continuing an
Event of Default or event which but for the lapse of time or the giving of
notice or both would constitute an Event of Default, declare or pay any cash
dividend or make distribution on, or redeem, retire or otherwise acquire,
directly or indirectly, any share of its stock, or make any distribution of
assets to stockholders.



                                      24

<PAGE>



     8.10 Change Location or Name. Change the place where its books and
records are maintained or change its name or transact business under any other
names without prior written notice to Lender.

     8.11 Transactions With Affiliates. Enter into any transaction with an
Affiliate or Subsidiary on terms less advantageous to Borrower than those that
could be obtained from any other Person in an arms-length transaction.

     8.12 Consolidated Tangible Net Worth. Cause, suffer or permit its
Consolidated Tangible Net Worth to be or become less than the following as at
the end of any fiscal quarter:

               (a)  as at December 31, 1996 until December 30, 1997, Forty
Million ($40,000,000.00) Dollars; and then

               (b)  from December 31, 1997 and annually thereafter the tangible
net worth of Borrower shall increase by a sum equal to Ten Million
($10,000,000.00) Dollars plus one hundred (100%) percent of the Net Proceeds
of any future equity offerings by the Borrower less all treasury stock. For
the purposes of this Agreement the term "Net Proceeds" shall mean the gross
proceeds of any equity offering less the normal and customary costs and
expenses of the offering.

     8.13 Debt to Net Worth Ratio. Cause, suffer or permit the ratio of
Consolidated Total Liabilities to Consolidated Tangible Net Worth to be or
become more than the following as at the end of any fiscal quarter:

               (a)  As at December 31, 1996 until December 30, 1997: 1.25:1.0;
and then

               (b)  from December 31, 1997 through December 30, 1998: 1.0:1.0;
and then

               (c)  from December 31, 1998 and at any time of the determination
thereof thereafter: .75:1.0.

     8.14 Current Ratio. Cause, suffer or permit its Consolidated Current
Ratio, which shall be calculated as the ratio of its Consolidated Current
Assets to the total of its Consolidated Current Liabilities plus the
outstanding principal balance under the Revolver, all on a consolidated basis
with its Subsidiaries, to be or become less than 2.0:1.0 as at the end of any
fiscal quarter.

     8.15 Debt Service Ratio. Cause, suffer or permit its Debt Service Ratio
to be less than 5.0:1.0 as at the end of any quarter based on a quarterly
rolling average of the prior four (4) quarters through December 31, 1998 and
thereafter 3.5:1.0.

     8.16 Investments: Purchase or acquire the obligations, securities or
stock of, or make capital contributions to, any Person, except:



                                      25

<PAGE>



               (a)  Marketable direct obligations of the United States of
America;

               (b)  Bonds, bills or notes of any State, County or municipality
of the United States of America, (w) which mature withi two years from the
date of acquisition thereof, (x) which are not in default as to principal or
interest and (y) which are rated AA or better by Moody's Investors Service or
if same is not available or no longer in existence a similar service
acceptable to Lender;

               (c)  Customer's notes, chattel paper or the like received as
non-cash proceeds of the sale of inventory of the Borrower in the ordinary
course of its business;

               (d)  Certificates of deposit and Repurchase Agreements; and

               (e)  Any obligation iss ed by Lender or any affiliate of Lender.


9.   DEFAULT:

     The occurrence of any of the following shall constitute an Event of
Default:

     9.1  If any representation or warranty made by the Borrower and/or any
Subsidiary in the Relevant Documents furnished in connection with the Loan,
shall prove to have been false, incorrect or misleading in any substantial and
material respect on the date as of which made;

     9.2  The Borrower shall have failed to make any payment of interest or
principal on the Loans on a due date or within ten (10) days thereafter;

     9.3  The Borrower and/or any Subsidiary shall have failed to duly observe
or perform any covenant, condition or agreement on the part of the Borrower
and/or any Subsidiary to be observed or performed pursuant to the terms of the
Relevant Documents other than the payment of moneys which shall be governed by
9.2 above, and such default shall have remained uncured for a period of thirty
(30) days after written notice thereof to the Borrower and/or any Subsidiary
by the Lender;

     9.4  The Borrower and/or any Subsidiary shall have applied for or
consented to the appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee or liquidator
of all or a substantial part of their respective assets; a custodian shall
have been appointed with or without consent of the Borrower and/or any
Subsidiary; the Borrower and/or any Subsidiary shall generally not be paying
their respective debts as they become due; the Borrower and/or any Subsidiary
shall have made a general assignment for the benefit of their respective
creditors; the Borrower and/or any Subsidiary shall have filed a voluntary
petition in bankruptcy, or a petition or an answer seeking reorganization or
an arrangement with their respective creditors, or shall have taken advantage
of any insolvency law, or shall have filed an answer admitting the material
allegations of a petition in bankruptcy, reorganization or insolvency
proceeding; or a petition in bankruptcy shall have




                                      26


<PAGE>



been filed against the Borrower and/or any Subsidiary and shall not have been
stayed or dismissed within sixty (60) days of such filing, or if an Order for
Relief has been entered under the Bankruptcy Code; or an order, judgment, or
decree shall have been entered without the application, approval or consent of
the Borrower and/or any Subsidiary by any court of competent jurisdiction
appointing a receiver, trustee, custodian or liquidator of the Borrower and/or
any Subsidiary of a substantial part of their respective assets and such
order, judgment or decree shall have continued unstayed and in effect for any
period of sixty (60) consecutive days;

     9.5  The failure of Uri Evan to be Chief Executive Officer or to otherwise
be involved in the management of the Borrower occurs without the express
written consent of the Lender;

     9.6  A writ of execution or attachment or any similar process shall be
issued or levied against all or any part of or interest in any of the
properties or assets of the Borrower and/or any Subsidiary or any judgment
involving monetary damages shall be entered against the Borrower and/or any
Subsidiary which shall become a lien on the Borrower's and/or any Subsidiary's
respective properties or assets or any portion thereof or interest therein and
such execution, attachment or similar process is not released, bonded,
satisfied, vacated or stayed within thirty (30) days after its entry or levy,
and said writ of execution, attachment, levy or judgment shall involve
monetary damages aggregating more than Two Hundred Thousand ($200,000.00)
Dollars;

     9.7  Seizure or foreclosure of any of the properties or assets of the
Borrower and/or any Subsidiary pursuant to process of law or by respect of
legal self-help, involving monetary damages aggregating more than Two Hundred
Thousand ($200,000.00) Dollars, unless said seizure or foreclosure is stayed
or bonded within thirty (30) days after the occurrence of same;

     9.8  The voluntary and permanent closing of business or ceasing of
operations of the Borrower;

     9.9  Default by the Borrower and/or any Subsidiary in any of the terms or
conditions of any agreement covering the payment of borrowed money from the
Lender and/or any other lender, if such a default would permit (after any
applicable grace and cure periods) the Lender and/or other lender, as the case
may be, to accelerate the payment of the debt irrespective of whether the
default is waived or not waived by the Lender;

     9.10 The filing of any Federal tax lien against the Borrower or any
Subsidiary and the same is not discharged of record within thirty (30) days
after the same is filed; or

     9.11 Failure of the Borrower to keep the insurance required by the
Relevant Documents in full force and effect.




                                      27

<PAGE>



10.  REMEDIES/RIGHTS OF LENDER:

     10.1 Acceleration; Proceed Against Collateral. Upon the occurrence and
during the continuance of an Event of Default the total amount (the "Default
Amount") of (i) the aggregate amount of all Obligations for principal and
interest, including late charges thereon, and all other sums which are then
due and unpaid; and (ii) an amount equal to the aggregate amount of all
principal remaining to be repaid on all Obligations; and (iii) interest on the
foregoing sums, at the rate provided for in Section 5.3 hereof, from said
occurrence until paid in full shall become immediately due and payable without
notice or demand.


     10.2 Set-off.

               (a)  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event
of Default, Lender shall have the right, immediately and without notice or
other action to set-off against any of the Borrower's liabilities to Lender
any money owed by Lender (or any affiliate of Lender) in any capacity to
Borrower, whether or not due, and Lender shall be deemed to have exercised
such right of set-off and to have made a charge against any such money
immediately upon the occurrence of such Event of Default even though the
actual book entries may be made at a time subsequent thereto.

               (b)  If other lenders have participated with the Lender with
respect to the Lender's making loans to the Borrower pursuant to the terms
hereof, then, Borrower hereby authorizes such other participating lenders,
upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default,
immediately and without notice or other action, at the request of Lender, to
set off against any of the Borrower's liabilities to Lender any money owed by
such participating lenders in any capacity to Borrower, whether or not due,
and to remit the monies set off to the Lender.

     10.3 Cumulative Remedies; Waivers. No remedy referred to herein is
intended to be exclusive, but each shall be cumulative and in addition to any
other remedy referred to above or otherwise available to Lender at law or in
equity. No express or implied waiver by Lender of any default or Event of
Default hereunder shall in any way be, or be construed to be, a waiver of any
future or subsequent default or Event of Default. The failure or delay of
Lender in exercising any rights granted it hereunder upon any occurrence of
any of the contingencies set forth herein shall not constitute a waiver of any
such right upon the continuation or recurrence of any such contingencies or
similar contingencies and any single or partial exercise of any particular
right by Lender shall not exhaust the same or constitute a waiver of any other
right provided herein. The Events of Default and remedies thereon are not
restrictive of and shall be in addition to any and all other rights and
remedies of Lender provided for by this Loan Agreement and applicable law.

     10.4 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. BORROWER ABSOLUTELY, UNCONDITIONALLY AND
IRREVOCABLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION WITH THE
LENDER RELATING TO THIS LOAN AGREEMENT OR THE OBLIGATIONS.




                                      28


<PAGE>



     10.5 Costs and Expenses. Borrower shall be liable for all costs, charges
and expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees and disbursements, incurred
by Lender by reason of the occurrence of any Event of Default or the exercise
of the Lender's remedies with respect thereto.


     10.6 Miscellaneous Rights of Lender. Upon the occurrence and continuance
of an Event of Default Lender, without demand, may charge and withdraw from
any credit balance which Borrower may then have with Lender or any of its
branches, any amount which shall become due from Borrower to the Lender under
this Loan Agreement.


11.  CONDITIONS TO INITIAL ADVANCE:

     The making of the initial Advance hereunder by the Lender is
conditioned upon the Lender's receipt of the following, which shall be in form
and substance acceptable to Lender and its counsel:

     11.1 Resolutions: Corporate resolutions authorizing the execution and
delivery of the Loan Agreement and all of the Relevant Documents by the Lender
and the Guarantors.

     11.2 Relevant Documents. All the Relevant Documents, which shall be
executed, attested and acknowledged, as applicable, including, without
limitation, the guaranty agreements of the Guarantors and the Uniform
Commercial Code Termination Statements.

     11.3 Searches. Uniform Commercial Code, Federal Tax Lien, Franchise Tax
Lien, Judgment and Good Standing searches as Lender shall require with respect
to the Borrower and the Guarantors.

     11.4.Opinion of Counsel. An opinion of Borrower's counsel.

     11.5 Insurance. Verification of satisfactory insurance coverage and of
the issuance of the certificates and endorsements required by this Loan
Agreement.

     11.6 Other Documents/Information. Such other documents, instruments or
information as the Lender shall reasonably require in order to enter into this
Loan Agreement.

     11.7 Expenses. Payment of Lender's expenses as set forth in Section 17.6.


12.  WAIVERS:

     Borrower waives demand, presentment, notice of dishonor or protest of
any instruments either of Borrower or others which may be included in the
Collateral or which may evidence the Obligations.


                                      29


<PAGE>



13.  SURVIVAL:

     All representations and warranties made herein or in any certificate or
instrument contemplated hereby shall survive any independent investigation
made by Lender and the execution and delivery of this Loan Agreement, and said
certificates or instruments and shall continue so long as any Obligations are
outstanding and unsatisfied, applicable statutes of limitation to the contrary
notwithstanding.


14.  EFFECT OF HOLIDAYS:

     If any payment pursuant to this Loan Agreement becomes due and payable on
a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday under the laws of the State of New Jersey,
the maturity thereof shall be extended to the next succeeding Banking Day.


15.  NOTICES:

     15.1 Written; Effective Date. All notices and other communications
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when
sent, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested. Any notification of a sale or other disposition of Collateral or
any other action by Lender required to be given by Lender shall be sufficient
if given not less than ten (10) days prior to the date on which such sale or
other disposition would be made, and such notification shall be deemed
reasonable notice.

     15.2 To Lender. Notices to Lender shall be directed to the following
address:

               PNC Bank, N.A.
               Two Tower Center Boulevard
               East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816
               Attention: Craig W. Heal, Vice President


          15.3 To Borrower. Notice to Borrower shall be directed to the
     following address:

               USA Detergents, Inc.
               1735 Jersey Avenue
               North Brunswick, New Jersey  08902
               Attention: Frederick Horowitz, CAO



                                      30

<PAGE>


               With a copy to:

               Sheldon G. Nussbaum, Esq.
               Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP
               666 Fifth Avenue
               New York, New York  10103


16.  TERMINATION OF LOAN AGREEMENT:

     16.1 Termination by Lender. Lender may terminate this Loan Agreement at
any time on or after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of
Default or on or after the Maturity Date, whereupon all of the Obligations
shall be due and payable immediately.

     16.2 Termination by Borrower. Borrower may terminate this Agreement, as
to all Loans and only as to all Loans, by giving Lender not less than 30 days
written notice of the date upon which it will terminate the Agreement,
provided that on the Termination Date the Borrower shall pay to Lender:

               (i)  The principal and interest due on the Loans;

               (ii) All other Obligations under this Agreement and the
Relevant Documents; and

               (iii) in the event the Loans are repaid as a result of
Borrower's obtaining refinancing from another lender, Borrower shall also pay
a prepayment premium calculated as follows:

                    A.   If the Termination Date is prior to the first
anniversary of the date stated at the beginning of this Loan Agreement, the
sum of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00);

                    B.   If the Termination Date is on or after such first
anniversary date but prior the second anniversary of the date stated at the
beginning of this Agreement, the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars
($200,000.00);

                    C.   If the Termination Date is on or after the second
anniversary date but prior to the third anniversary date of the date stated at
the beginning of this Agreement, the sum of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars
($150,000.00);

                    D.   If the Termination Date is on or after the third
anniversary date but prior to the fourth anniversary date of the date set
forth at the beginning of this Agreement, the sum of One Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($100,000.00); and



                                      31

<PAGE>



                    E.   If the Termination Date is on or after the fourth
anniversary date but prior to the fifth anniversary date set forth at the
beginning of this Agreement, the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00);
and

                    F.   Thereafter, the Borrower may terminate this Loan
Agreement on the Termination Date without payment of any Termination Charge.

Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding it is understood and agreed
that if, at any time after the second anniversary date of this Loan Agreement,
the Borrower obtains financing from another lender in an amount greater than
that which Lender is willing to provide, Borrower may prepay the Loans on its
closing of such new financing without paying Lender the prepayment premium.
However, the prepayment premium shall not be waived if Lender is willing to
provide financing in the same amount to be provided by such other lender.
Therefore, Lender shall have twenty (20) Banking Days, after its receipt of
notice from Borrower of its intent to terminate, to notify Borrower whether it
is willing to provide such financing.

     16.3 Rights Upon Termination. Notwithstanding the termination of this
Loan Agreement as herein provided, Lender's security interest, rights and
remedies herein set forth shall remain in full force and effect until all
Borrower's Obligations are paid in full.


17.  AMENDMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS:

     17.1 Amendments. The terms of this Loan Agreement shall not be waived,
altered, modified, amended, supplemented or terminated in any manner
whatsoever except by a written instrument signed by Lender and Borrower.

     17.2 Binding on Successors. The provisions herein contained shall bind
and inure to the benefit of the Borrower and Lender and their respective legal
representatives, successors and assigns (provided, however, that the Borrower
shall not assign the Loan or the Relevant Documents without first obtaining
the written consent of Lender). Lender (or any subsequent assignee) may
transfer and assign the Loan or interests therein to such banks, lending
institutions or other Person as it may choose without the consent of Borrower
and deliver the Collateral to the assignee, who shall thereupon have all of
the rights of Lender; and Lender (or any such subsequent assignee that in turn
assigns as aforesaid) shall then be relieved and discharged of any
responsibility or liability with respect to future Advances and said
Collateral.

     17.3 Invalidity. Any provision of this Loan Agreement which may be
determined by competent authority to be prohibited or unenforceable in any
jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of
such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining
provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any
jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in
any other jurisdiction.



                                      32

<PAGE>



     17.4 Gender. Throughout this Loan Agreement, the masculine shall include
the feminine and vice versa and the singular shall include the plural and vice
versa, unless the context of this Loan Agreement indicates otherwise.

     17.5 Cross Default. All other agreements between Borrower and Lender
and/or any of Lender's affiliates or subsidiaries whereby monies are loaned or
financial accommodations are made to Borrower are hereby amended so that a
default under this Loan Agreement is a default under all other agreements and
a default under any one of the other agreements is a default under this Loan
Agreement.

     17.6 Expenses of Lender. Borrower agrees to pay all costs and expenses of
the Lender in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery and
administration of this Loan Agreement and other instruments and documents to
be executed contemporaneously herewith, including reasonable attorney's fees
and out of pocket expenses of counsel for Lender up to the sum of $50,000.00.

     17.7 Section and Paragraph Headings. Section and paragraph headings are
for convenience only and shall not be construed as part of this Loan
Agreement.

     17.8 Law/Jurisdiction. (a) This Loan Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with, and shall be governed by, the laws of the State of New
Jersey.

               (b)  The Borrower hereby consents to the in personam
jurisdiction of the federal and/or state courts located within the State of
New Jersey, over controversies arising from or relating to this Loan Agreement
or the Obligations.

     17.9 Further Assurances. Borrower shall take such steps and execute and
deliver such financing statements and other documents all in form and
substance satisfactory to Lender relating to the creation, validity or
perfection of the security interests provided for herein, under the Uniform
Commercial Code or other laws of the State of New Jersey or of any other state
or states as Lender may from time to time request.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have set their hands and seals or
caused these presents to be executed by their proper corporate officers and
sealed with their seals the day and year first above written.

ATTEST:                                 USA DETERGENTS, INC.


By: /s/ Harold J. Macsata               By: /s/ Frederick J. Horowitz
   _____________________________           ________________________________
   Harold J. Macsata, Vice President     Frederick J. Horowitz, Vice President
   and Chief Financial Officer           and Chief Administrative Officer




                                      33


<PAGE>


                                        PNC BANK, N.A.



                                        By: /s/ George L. Ziminski
                                            _______________________________
                                            George L. Ziminski,
                                            Senior Vice President






                                      34