Which statement about federal pesticide regulation is true?

The statement that approved pesticide labels have the force of law is accurate because pesticide labels are considered legal documents that dictate how the pesticide can be used and under what conditions. When a pesticide is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the label must include specific instructions and safety information which must be adhered to by users. This legal status means that any misuse of the pesticide, such as using it in a way that contradicts the label instructions, can lead to legal consequences for the user, including fines and other penalties. The clarity of this legal force underscores the importance of proper pesticide management and compliance with regulatory standards set forth by the EPA.

In contrast, while civil penalties may be assessed against violators, it's more common for the enforcement focus to start with education or warnings, particularly for first-time offenders. The necessity for devices that control pests to be registered is not as universally mandated as pesticides themselves, highlighting that devices may not require the same level of regulatory scrutiny. Lastly, while pesticide regulations do evolve, they are not necessarily subject to change every year; alterations depend on a variety of factors including new research, incidents, and policy considerations.