Who sets the tolerances for pesticides in the United States?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for setting tolerances for pesticides in the United States. Tolerances refer to the maximum amounts of pesticide residues that are legally allowed on food and feed products. The establishment of these tolerances involves evaluating the safety of the pesticide, including its potential risks to human health and the environment.

This process is guided by laws such as the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). The EPA conducts thorough scientific assessments, including considering various factors such as exposure levels and the toxicity of the chemical, to determine what levels are safe for consumption.

The other organizations mentioned have different roles: for instance, the Department of Agriculture contributes to agricultural policy but does not set tolerances; the Food and Drug Administration oversees food safety and nutrition but relies on the EPA’s determinations for pesticide residues; and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration focuses on workplace safety standards, not pesticide tolerances. Thus, the EPA's role in this regulatory process is crucial for ensuring that pesticide use is safe for both consumers and the environment.