Pesticide Registration: Since 1988, which organization has been in charge of pesticide registration?

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

Answer: (A)

Pesticide registration is the process of evaluating and approving a pesticide for use by a federal regulator. Since 1988, the Environmental Protection Agency has been the agency in charge of registering pesticides in the United States. Under FIFRA, EPA reviews data on a product’s safety for people and the environment, determines where and how it can be used, and requires proper labeling before it can be sold or used. This central role means the EPA sets and enforces the registration terms for all pesticides.

The FDA handles pesticide residues in food from a safety enforcement perspective, while USDA focuses on agricultural programs and inspection rather than registration of pesticides.