General Colorado Commercial Pesticide Application Practice Exam

What does the FDA do in relation to pesticide residue on food crops?

1. Develops new pesticide formulations

2. Monitors for pesticide residues and enforces tolerance levels

3. Determines acceptable levels of pesticide application

4. Studies long-term health effects of pesticides

The correct answer is: Monitors for pesticide residues and enforces tolerance levels

The role of the FDA in relation to pesticide residue on food crops primarily involves monitoring for pesticide residues and enforcing tolerance levels. This means that the FDA conducts tests on food products to ensure that any pesticide residues present do not exceed the established limits, which are determined based on safety assessments and risk evaluations. These tolerance levels are set to protect consumers and ensure that the food supply is safe. The FDA works in conjunction with other regulatory bodies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is responsible for setting those tolerance levels. The monitoring process helps to ensure compliance with these standards and safeguards public health. By enforcing tolerance levels, the FDA provides a systematic approach to managing and minimizing the risks associated with pesticide residues on food. The other choices pertain to different functions that fall outside the FDA's direct responsibilities. For example, developing new pesticide formulations is typically carried out by chemical companies and researchers rather than regulatory agencies. Similarly, determining acceptable levels of pesticide application is primarily the responsibility of the EPA, which conducts assessments and sets regulations. Finally, studying long-term health effects of pesticides is an ongoing area of research that involves multiple organizations but is not the primary function of the FDA in this context.