Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which agency enforces food tolerances for pesticides?

1. EPA

2. FDA

3. USDA

4. National Institute of Health

The correct answer is: FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for enforcing food tolerances for pesticides in the United States. These tolerances refer to the maximum levels of pesticide residues permitted in food products to ensure consumer safety. The FDA monitors and regulates food that enters the market, ensuring that pesticide residues do not exceed established safety thresholds. While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is involved in establishing these tolerances by assessing the safety of pesticides and determining the allowable levels, it is the FDA that carries out the enforcement aspect, ensuring compliance with those standards through inspections and monitoring of food products. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) plays a role in agricultural practices and food safety but does not specifically enforce pesticide tolerances. The National Institute of Health primarily focuses on medical and health-related research rather than food safety regulations.