CFD Regulatory Compliance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal agency regulates the importation of fresh-cut flowers into the United States to prevent the introduction of plant pests?
- FDA
- USDA APHIS (Correct answer)
- EPA
- CBP alone
Correct answer: USDA APHIS
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) oversees plant import inspections to prevent invasive pests and diseases.
Question 2: A floral shop uses a commercial pesticide spray on display arrangements. Under EPA regulations, who must apply restricted-use pesticides?
- Any trained employee
- Only certified pesticide applicators (Correct answer)
- The shop owner regardless of certification
- A licensed electrician
Correct answer: Only certified pesticide applicators
Restricted-use pesticides (RUPs) may only be purchased and applied by EPA-certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision.
Question 3: Which labeling requirement applies to floral foam products under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom)?
- No label is required for solid materials
- A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) must be available (Correct answer)
- Only a Spanish-language label is required
- Labels are optional if product is stored in back room
Correct answer: A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) must be available
OSHA HazCom requires that Safety Data Sheets be accessible to employees for all hazardous chemicals, including floral foam containing formaldehyde-releasing agents.
Question 4: A florist ships arrangements across state lines using dry ice as a coolant. Which DOT regulation must they follow?
- No special rules apply to dry ice shipments
- Dry ice must be declared as a hazardous material with proper markings (Correct answer)
- Dry ice is banned from all carrier shipments
- Only international shipments require hazmat labeling
Correct answer: Dry ice must be declared as a hazardous material with proper markings
The DOT classifies dry ice (solid CO2) as a Class 9 hazardous material requiring proper package marking and shipper declaration.
Question 5: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a floral retail shop must ensure:
- Only online ordering is ADA compliant
- Physical store aisles are accessible to customers with mobility impairments (Correct answer)
- Employees with disabilities must disclose their condition
- Floral designs must avoid allergy-causing plants
Correct answer: Physical store aisles are accessible to customers with mobility impairments
ADA Title III requires places of public accommodation, including retail flower shops, to provide accessible facilities and remove physical barriers.
Question 6: Which environmental law most directly governs how a floral shop must dispose of liquid fertilizer and pesticide rinsewater?
- Clean Water Act (Correct answer)
- Endangered Species Act
- Occupational Safety and Health Act
- Fair Labor Standards Act
Correct answer: Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act prohibits discharging pollutants into navigable waters without a permit and regulates stormwater runoff from commercial facilities.
Question 7: A florist in California must comply with Proposition 65 when selling flowers treated with certain chemicals. What does this require?
- Ban on all treated flowers in California
- Clear and reasonable warning before exposure to listed chemicals (Correct answer)
- Filing annual reports with the EPA
- Obtaining a pharmacy license
Correct answer: Clear and reasonable warning before exposure to listed chemicals
California's Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide clear warnings before knowingly exposing anyone to chemicals listed as causing cancer or reproductive harm.
CFD Regulatory Compliance 2
Which federal agency regulates the importation of fresh-cut flowers into the United States to prevent the introduction of plant pests?