Which federal agency sets food tolerances for pesticides?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency responsible for setting food tolerances for pesticides. This involves establishing the maximum residue levels of pesticides that can legally remain on food products. The EPA's role is crucial because it evaluates the safety and environmental effects of pesticides, ensuring that they meet health standards intended to protect consumers. This includes assessing the risk to humans and the environment before pesticides are approved for use.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) plays a role in monitoring food products, but the initial setting of tolerance levels for pesticide residues is conducted by the EPA. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) focuses on the agricultural aspects of food production, such as farming practices and food quality. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is mainly concerned with public health issues, including disease prevention, rather than pesticide regulation. Hence, the correct choice is the EPA, as it specifically handles pesticide tolerances in the context of food safety.