Under FIFRA, which agency oversees the sale and use of pesticides?

• A. Department of Agriculture
• B. Environmental Protection Agency
• C. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• D. Food and Drug Administration

Answer: (B)

FIFRA gives the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to regulate pesticides, including their sale and use. This means the EPA registers pesticides, weighs their risks to people and the environment, and requires labels that specify where, how, and by whom a pesticide can be used, along with safety precautions. The goal is to ensure products on the market are used in ways that minimize harm. Other agencies have related roles but not the primary regulatory authority for sale and use: the Department of Agriculture focuses on agricultural policy and pest management programs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention handles public health monitoring and disease prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration oversees safety of foods and cosmetics, including pesticide residues, rather than the sale and use of pesticides themselves.