Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

Which agency is responsible for regulating the use of feed additives in the United States?

1. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

2. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

4. Department of Health and Human Services

The correct answer is: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The agency responsible for regulating the use of feed additives in the United States is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA oversees the safety and efficacy of food additives, including those used in animal feed. This includes ensuring that feed additives are safe for both the animals that consume them and for humans who may ultimately consume products derived from those animals. Understanding the distinction of roles among various agencies is important. The USDA primarily focuses on the agricultural aspects of farming, including production and marketing of agricultural goods, but does not regulate feed additives. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is involved with environmental protection and has a limited role in feed additives, primarily concerning the implications of certain additives on the environment rather than on the regulatory oversight of their use in livestock feed. The Department of Health and Human Services is more focused on public health issues and does not directly regulate the feed additives in livestock. Hence, the FDA's role is crucial since it directly addresses food safety regulations, encompassing the assessment and monitoring of feed additives, ensuring they meet the necessary safety standards for both animal and human health.