General Colorado Commercial Pesticide Application Practice Exam

Which agency is responsible for regulating pesticide residues in food?

1. The Department of Agriculture

2. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

3. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

4. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS)

The correct answer is: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for regulating pesticide residues in food. This agency oversees the approval of pesticide registrations and sets tolerances, which are the maximum allowable levels of pesticide residues permitted on food products. The EPA evaluates the safety and efficacy of pesticides, considering their impact on human health, the environment, and agricultural practices. While other agencies listed may play supporting roles or have related responsibilities, they do not primarily regulate pesticide residues. For instance, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is involved in enforcing the tolerances set by the EPA and inspecting food products but does not establish the pesticide regulations itself. Similarly, the Department of Agriculture primarily focuses on agricultural policies and support, while the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is involved in research related to agriculture. Therefore, the responsibility for regulating pesticide residues ultimately lies with the EPA.