Which agency administers FIFRA and regulates pesticide use and registration?

Which agency administers FIFRA and regulates pesticide use and registration?

• A. U.S. Department of the Interior
• B. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
• C. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• D. U.S. Department of Agriculture

Answer: (B)

Pesticide regulation under FIFRA is handled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA reviews safety and effectiveness data, registers pesticides before they can be sold, and sets labeling that explains how and where the product can be used. Those label instructions—what pests, crops, sites, and application rates are allowed—must be followed, and the EPA can cancel registrations if safety standards aren’t met. The other agencies don’t administer FIFRA: Interior manages federal lands and natural resources, FDA handles safety of foods and certain products but not pesticide registrations, and USDA conducts agricultural research and pest management programs but does not register pesticides. So the EPA is the correct agency.

Pesticide regulation under FIFRA is handled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA reviews safety and effectiveness data, registers pesticides before they can be sold, and sets labeling that explains how and where the product can be used. Those label instructions—what pests, crops, sites, and application rates are allowed—must be followed, and the EPA can cancel registrations if safety standards aren’t met. The other agencies don’t administer FIFRA: Interior manages federal lands and natural resources, FDA handles safety of foods and certain products but not pesticide registrations, and USDA conducts agricultural research and pest management programs but does not register pesticides. So the EPA is the correct agency.