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

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for setting food tolerances for pesticides in the United States. This role is critical for ensuring that pesticide residues on food do not pose significant risks to human health. The EPA evaluates scientific data regarding the safety and efficacy of pesticides, including their potential health impacts and environmental effects. Based on this information, the agency determines acceptable levels of pesticide residues allowed on food products, ensuring that these levels protect consumers.

In contrast, the other agencies play different roles in food safety and public health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focuses on public health and the prevention of disease. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the safety and labeling of food products, including certain aspects of pesticide regulation, but it does not set the tolerances. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) also plays a role in food safety and agricultural practices, but is mainly concerned with the inspection of products and not the direct regulation of pesticide tolerances.