What is the main purpose of tolerance levels as defined by the EPA?

The main purpose of tolerance levels as established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is to ensure safety standards for food consumption. Tolerance levels represent the maximum amount of pesticide residue that is legally permitted on food products. This is crucial for protecting public health, as it ensures that the residues remaining on food after pesticide application are at levels deemed safe based on scientific risk assessments. These levels are set considering potential exposure and the overall health risks to consumers, particularly vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

By establishing these limits, the EPA helps to minimize any risks associated with pesticide use in agriculture while allowing farmers to effectively protect their crops from pests and diseases. Therefore, monitoring compliance with these tolerance levels is essential for ensuring that the food supply is safe for consumption and upholds public health standards.