Which agency assigns the establishment number for registered pesticides?

• A. Center for Disease Control
• B. Environmental Protection Agency
• C. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• D. Department of Agriculture

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) because this agency is responsible for regulating and overseeing the use of pesticides in the United States. When a pesticide is registered for use, the EPA assigns an establishment number to the facility where the pesticide is produced. This number is crucial for tracking and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. The establishment number helps in identifying the manufacturer or the facility producing the pesticide, which is key to monitoring the distribution and safety of the product.

In contrast, the other agencies mentioned have different roles. The Center for Disease Control primarily focuses on public health issues and disease prevention. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is concerned with workplace safety and health regulations, while the Department of Agriculture oversees agricultural practices and policies but does not issue establishment numbers for pesticides. Thus, the EPA is the correct agency to assign these important identifiers.