Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

Which US agency administers the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)?

1. US Department of Agriculture

2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration

3. US Environmental Protection Agency

4. Federal Food and Drug Administration

The correct answer is: US Environmental Protection Agency

The agency that administers the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This act was established to provide for federal regulation of pesticide distribution, sale, and use, ensuring that any pesticide used in the U.S. is safe for human health and the environment. The EPA's role includes reviewing and approving pesticide registrations, setting tolerance levels for pesticide residues on food, and regulating labeling and usage to prevent harmful effects. Other agencies mentioned, such as the US Department of Agriculture, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Federal Food and Drug Administration, have various responsibilities related to agriculture, workplace safety, and food safety, respectively. However, they do not have the primary authority to regulate pesticides under FIFRA as this is squarely within the jurisdiction of the EPA, which prioritizes environmental protection and public health in relation to pesticide use.