Who regulates the maximum pesticide residue tolerances in food and animal feed?

The regulation of maximum pesticide residue tolerances in food and animal feed is primarily governed by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). This legislation provides the framework for setting tolerances and ensures that any pesticide residues found on food or animal feed remain at safe levels for human and animal consumption. The FFDCA establishes the legal limits for how much pesticide residue is allowed and mandates that these limits are based on safety assessments designed to protect public health.

While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in evaluating and approving pesticide registrations, including establishing these tolerances, it operates under the authority granted to it by the FFDCA. The USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) have roles in food safety and public health but do not directly regulate pesticide residue tolerances as defined under the FFDCA. Thus, understanding the FFDCA’s significance is essential for grasping who is responsible for these regulations.