Rep. Sam Farr has challenged federal officials involved in aerial spraying to combat the light brown apple moth on the Central Coast.

At a subcommittee hearing in Washington D.C., Farr asked Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer to work with other agencies, including the U.S. Surgeon General, that can evaluate the effects of the spraying.

Also, Farr reported that Bruce Knight, undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs at the USDA told Farr that he would revisit the decision that led to the moth being leabeled a dangerous pest.

"The bureaucracy that led to the moth being labeled a dangerous pest is unclear," Farr said following the hearing. "If we don't even know why the moth is listed as a dangerous pest, it's impossible to determine how far we must go to control it or whether the current emergency eradication tactics are justified. I have asked Secretary Schafer and Under Secretary Knight to better explain the steps they are taking to ensure the safety of the public, and I am awaiting their response."