Which federal agency regulates pesticides in the United States?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency responsible for regulating pesticides in the United States. This agency's primary role includes ensuring that all pesticides are safe and effective for public health and the environment before they can be marketed or used. The EPA assesses new pesticide products, evaluates their safety, sets tolerance levels for pesticide residues on food, and monitors their effects on ecosystems.

The other agencies mentioned have different areas of focus. The Department of Agriculture primarily deals with agricultural practices and rural development, while the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) focuses on public health issues, including disease prevention and health promotion. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is mainly concerned with the safety and regulation of food and drugs, including food additives, but it does not handle the regulation of pesticide products directly. Hence, the EPA stands out as the authority for pesticide regulation in line with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).