Who is responsible for administering the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act?

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This Act provides the framework for regulating pesticides in the United States, focusing on their safe use to protect human health and the environment. The EPA evaluates pesticide products for safety and effectiveness before they can be marketed and used.

While other agencies like the USDA and FDA play roles in agricultural practices and food safety, they do not hold the authority to regulate pesticides under FIFRA. The Department of Agriculture, while involved in agricultural policy and practices, is not specifically tasked with enforcing pesticide regulations. This distinct responsibility given to the EPA ensures that there is a centralized authority managing the complex issues surrounding pesticide use, thus reinforcing the importance of environmental protection and public health in pest management practices.