Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which federal agency is responsible for setting food tolerances for pesticides?

1. FDA

2. USDA

3. EPA

4. CDC

The correct answer is: EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency responsible for setting food tolerances for pesticides. This means that the EPA establishes the maximum permissible levels of pesticide residues that can remain on food products. The agency's role ensures that these levels are safe for human consumption and protect public health. The process of establishing tolerances involves a rigorous assessment of the pesticide's potential risk based on various factors, including toxicity studies, exposure assessments, and evaluation of the available scientific data. By setting these standards, the EPA plays a crucial role in maintaining food safety and protecting consumers from potentially harmful chemical exposures. While other agencies, such as the FDA and USDA, have roles in monitoring food safety and ensuring agricultural standards, they do not directly set the tolerances for pesticide residues. The CDC focuses primarily on public health and disease control, rather than regulatory decisions regarding pesticides and food safety.