Which federal entity is charged with evaluating pesticide safety?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal entity responsible for evaluating pesticide safety. This agency plays a crucial role in regulating pesticide use and ensuring that these substances do not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment. The EPA conducts thorough assessments of the potential impacts of pesticides before they can be approved for use and establishes tolerance levels for pesticide residues in food and feed. This rigorous evaluation process involves reviewing scientific studies and data regarding the toxicity, exposure, and environmental effects of pesticides, ensuring that public health and ecological integrity are protected.

In contrast, while the US Department of Agriculture does have a role in agricultural practices and might focus on pest management strategies, it does not evaluate the safety of the pesticides themselves. The Food and Drug Administration primarily regulates food and drug products, rather than pesticides. The Centers for Disease Control focuses on public health and disease prevention, but it does not have a direct role in pesticide safety assessment.