Oklahoma Service Technician Practice Exam

Who sets the residue tolerances for pesticides in food and feed products?

1. State Departments of Agriculture

2. EPA

3. Consumer Protection Agencies

4. Pesticide manufacturers

The correct answer is: EPA

The correct answer is the EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, which is responsible for establishing residue tolerances for pesticides in food and feed products. This regulatory role is essential because it ensures that any pesticide residues remaining on food or animal feed do not pose a risk to human health or the environment. The EPA evaluates scientific data related to pesticide residues and their potential effects before setting these tolerances, ensuring that they are safe and meet public health standards. The other options play different roles in the context of pesticide regulation. State Departments of Agriculture often manage the implementation and enforcement of these regulations at the state level but do not set the tolerances themselves. Consumer Protection Agencies work to protect consumers’ interests and may respond to issues related to food safety but do not determine pesticide tolerances. Pesticide manufacturers produce the products and are subject to regulations but do not have the authority to set safety standards for their own products. This delineation of responsibilities helps maintain a structured and scientifically backed approach to pesticide regulation.