Pesticide labels must be registered with which federal agency?

• A. Federal Trade Commission
• B. Department of Agriculture
• C. National Institute of Health
• D. Environmental Protection Agency

Answer: (D)

Labels must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency because EPA is the federal regulator that approves pesticides and sets the directions that must be followed on the label. The registration process ensures the label clearly communicates how to use the product safely and effectively, including where and how much to apply, what crops it can be used on, and precautions for people, wildlife, and the environment. It also covers storage, disposal, and first-aid instructions. Using a product in ways not described on the registered label is illegal under federal law, and failing to follow the label can lead to serious safety and legal consequences. Other agencies don’t handle pesticide label registration; they deal with advertising (FTC), agriculture policy and inspections (USDA), or health research (NIH).