General Colorado Commercial Pesticide Application Practice Exam

Which agency is primarily responsible for governing pesticide residue levels in food or feed crops in the U.S. today?

1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

2. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

3. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

4. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The correct answer is: Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The agency primarily responsible for governing pesticide residue levels in food or feed crops in the U.S. is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA establishes tolerances, or maximum allowable levels of pesticide residues, that can remain on food and feed. These tolerances are based on scientific risk assessments that consider the potential health effects of pesticide exposure for various populations, including children and pregnant women. Once the EPA sets these tolerances, they are enforced by other agencies, including the FDA, which monitors food products to ensure compliance with the established limits. The FDA is responsible for regulating overall food safety, including ensuring that pesticides used on crops do not result in unsafe levels of residues. However, it is the EPA that directly establishes and governs the residue limits based on the comprehensive data and research available. The USDA plays a significant role in agricultural practices and may conduct inspections or certifications related to pesticide use, but it does not regulate pesticide residue levels. OSHA focuses on workplace safety and health, particularly in relation to chemical exposure, but it is not involved in the regulation of pesticides in food or feed crops.