True or False: Food crops and animals can contain pesticide residue even if not directly sprayed.

The statement is true because food crops and animals can indeed contain pesticide residue even if they were not directly sprayed with pesticides. This can occur through several pathways. For example, pesticides can drift from nearby treated fields due to wind, resulting in unintentional exposure. Additionally, crops can absorb pesticide residues from contaminated soil or water.

Animals, too, can ingest pesticides present in their feed or through their environment, leading to residues in their tissues or milk. Moreover, some pesticides have long half-lives, meaning they can remain in the environment for an extended period, further increasing the likelihood of residue being present. Thus, the potential for pesticide residue is not solely dependent on direct application but can arise from environmental factors and agricultural practices.