The legal amount of pesticide residue allowed on feed crops is primarily determined by which agency?

The legal amount of pesticide residue allowed on feed crops is primarily determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is responsible for regulating pesticide use and ensuring that any residues left on food and feed crops are within safe limits for human and animal consumption. This includes establishing tolerances, which are the maximum levels of pesticide residues that are permitted.

The process involves scientific evaluations to assess the potential health risks associated with pesticide exposure, which includes considering the residue levels that may remain on crops after application. The establishment of these tolerances is crucial in safeguarding public health and the environment.

Other agencies play important roles in the broader context of agricultural practices and food safety, but the specific authority to set residue limits for pesticides on feed crops lies with the EPA. The USDA focuses on agricultural production and marketing, and the FDA regulates food safety and nutrition, primarily in relation to human food. The Chemical Safety Board, meanwhile, investigates chemical accidents but does not set standards for pesticide residues.