What government agency is responsible for regulating feed additives and hormone implants?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the government agency responsible for regulating feed additives and hormone implants in both livestock and poultry. The FDA evaluates the safety and effectiveness of these substances before they can be marketed. This includes reviewing the scientific data related to their use and monitoring their effects on both animal health and food safety for consumers.

The regulation of feed additives and hormone implants falls under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which gives the FDA authority over substances intended for animal consumption. This regulatory framework is vital in ensuring that any added substances do not pose risks to animal health or food safety.

Other agencies mentioned have distinct roles that do not include the regulation of feed additives. The Environmental Protection Agency primarily deals with environmental protection and does not focus on animal feed. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees various aspects of agriculture but does not regulate feed additives in the same way as the FDA. The National Institute of Health (NIH) is focused on biomedical and public health research, making it unrelated to the regulation of feed additives and hormone implants. Thus, the roles of these agencies highlight the specialized function of the FDA in this domain.