Iowa Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Under which act are allowable pesticide residue levels set for food safety?

1. Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act

2. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

3. Food Quality Protection Act

4. Endangered Species Act

The correct answer is: Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

Allowable pesticide residue levels for food safety are established under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). This act is crucial for ensuring that food, drugs, and cosmetics sold in the United States are safe for consumption and use. Specifically, the FFDCA mandates that any pesticide residues found on food must not exceed the established tolerances to protect consumer health. While other acts, such as the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) primarily govern the registration and application of pesticides, and the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) made significant amendments to the FFDCA by focusing on food safety and protecting children, the FFDCA remains the primary legislation that sets and enforces these residue levels. The Endangered Species Act is unrelated to pesticide residues, as it focuses on the conservation of threatened and endangered species. Therefore, the FFDCA is the correct act that outlines acceptable pesticide levels in food to ensure public health safety.