Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

Which federal agency enforces food tolerances for pesticides?

1. EPA

2. FDA

3. USDA

4. OSHA

The correct answer is: FDA

The correct answer highlights the role of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in overseeing food safety, which includes enforcing food tolerances for pesticides. The FDA's responsibilities encompass ensuring that the levels of pesticide residues in food are safe for human consumption. This involves setting maximum permissible limits, known as tolerances, for pesticide residues on food products. While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is primarily responsible for regulating the registration and use of pesticides, including establishing tolerances for residues in food, the FDA is the agency that mainly monitors and enforces these standards once the food products are on the market. The agency conducts inspections and maintains oversight to ensure compliance, thereby protecting public health against pesticide exposure through food. The other options, such as the USDA, focus more on agricultural aspects and safety measures related to livestock and crop products, while OSHA deals with occupational safety and health. Therefore, the FDA’s dedicated role in food safety and its enforcement of pesticide tolerances make it the right choice in this context.