Who must register new pesticides and re-register existing pesticides?

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

Answer: (A)

Registration of new pesticides and re-registration of existing pesticides is handled by the Environmental Protection Agency. Under FIFRA, the EPA reviews every proposed active ingredient and product formulation to assess risks to people and the environment and to determine the required labeling, use restrictions, and safety precautions. A pesticide can’t be sold or distributed until it’s registered, and older products must be periodically re-evaluated to reflect new science and update labels as needed. The FDA manages pesticide tolerances in food from a consumer-safety standpoint but does not register pesticides; the USDA and CDC have other regulatory roles and do not handle registration. So the EPA is the agency responsible for both registration and re-registration.