What is a tolerance as set by the EPA?

• A. The maximum amount of pesticide residue that may legally remain on or in a commodity at the time of harvest or slaughter
• B. The minimum required residue after processing
• C. An approval level for pesticide potency
• D. The maximum pesticide label area allowed

Answer: (A)

A tolerance is the maximum amount of pesticide residue that may legally remain on or in a commodity at the time of harvest or slaughter. The EPA sets these limits to ensure that residues in food are at safe levels for consumers. Residue amounts are typically expressed as a concentration (parts per million or mg/kg), and tolerances apply to raw crops as well as, in some cases, processed products. If residues exceed the tolerance, the commodity is not allowed to enter the market.

This concept isn’t about a minimum residue after processing, a level for pesticide potency, or the amount of label area allowed. Those ideas describe different aspects and are not what a tolerance measures.