What is the purpose of the tolerance program?

The tolerance program is designed to establish maximum residue limits for pesticide residues found in food products, ensuring that any levels detectable on produce or grains are within safe boundaries for human consumption. This is crucial because it protects consumers by ensuring that while some pesticide residues might remain on food items after they have been treated, these levels are regulated to be safe, minimizing health risks. The program uses scientific assessments to determine what constitutes a safe level of pesticide residue, taking into account various factors, including dietary exposure and specific health risks. Thus, the focus is not on the complete absence of pesticide residues but rather on managing their presence to maintain safety for consumers.