Which federal agency sets food tolerances for pesticides?

The correct answer is that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency responsible for setting food tolerances for pesticides. The EPA establishes the maximum permissible levels of pesticide residues that may remain on or in food products, ensuring that they are safe for consumption. This process involves rigorous scientific assessments and considers potential health risks to humans and the environment.

The FDA, while involved in regulating food safety and having oversight over food products, does not set pesticide tolerances; instead, it enforces the tolerances that the EPA establishes. The USDA focuses on agriculture and food inspection but does not set tolerances for pesticide residues. The CDC's primary role is to protect public health through disease control and prevention, and it does not engage in the regulation of pesticides or food tolerances. Thus, the EPA’s crucial role in this context highlights its responsibility in pesticide regulation, ensuring safety for consumers.