Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

What is the maximum amount of pesticide residue allowed on a harvested crop set by the EPA?

1. Tolerance

2. Limit

3. Threshold

4. Standard

The correct answer is: Tolerance

The concept of "tolerance" in relation to agricultural practices and pesticide application refers specifically to the maximum amount of pesticide residue that is legally permitted on a harvested crop. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes these tolerances to ensure that food safety standards are met, protecting consumers from harmful levels of pesticide exposure. Tolerances are calculated based on scientific studies that assess the potential risks of pesticide residues and are designed to ensure that the food reaching the consumer is safe for consumption. If pesticide residues exceed these established tolerances, the crop may be deemed unfit for sale or consumption. The other terms, while they may relate to regulations or guidelines in various contexts, do not specifically define the legally allowable limits of pesticide residue on foods in the same way that "tolerance" does. Therefore, "tolerance" is the correct term when discussing the maximum pesticide residue allowed on harvested crops.