Which regulatory agency oversees biotechnology products in the U.S.?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the primary regulatory agency overseeing biotechnology products in the U.S. This includes a wide range of biological products such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), human therapeutics, and vaccines. The FDA is responsible for ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of these products before they can be marketed to the public. This agency plays a critical role in the regulatory process, conducting thorough reviews of clinical trial data and manufacturing processes to assess potential risks and benefits associated with biotechnological innovations.

While the other agencies listed have important roles in aspects of biotechnology, they focus on different areas. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) primarily regulates biotechnology products that may impact the environment, particularly concerning pesticides and genetically modified crops. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees the agricultural applications of biotechnology, ensuring that genetically engineered plants and animals are safe and effective within agricultural practices. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) mainly supports and funds biomedical research, promoting advancements in health and medicine, rather than directly regulating biotechnology products.

Thus, the FDA's central role in assessing and ensuring the safety and efficacy of biotechnology products makes it the correct answer to this question.