The food supply of the U.S. is among the safest in the world. However, beginning even before birth, we are exposed to low levels of pesticide residues through our foods.
Consumers are very concerned about pesticide residues on food.
This far outranks concerns over drugs and hormones in meat, nitrates in foods, irradiated foods, additives, or artificial colors. However, some feel that pesticide residues in food are unnecessary and preventable types of contamination. Consumers are confused as well as concerned. With this volatile issue, it is important to maintain the facts and concerns in a proper perspective. EPA tolerances are based on a very conservative set of assumptions including that each pesticide is applied at the maximum rate allowed by the label, the maximum number of applications are made, and only the minimum permissible interval is allowed between applications.