Which federal agency sets food tolerances for pesticides?

The correct choice is the Environmental Protection Agency, commonly referred to as the EPA. This agency is responsible for setting and enforcing regulations regarding environmental protection, including the safety and acceptable levels of pesticides used in food production. The EPA evaluates scientific data to determine safe tolerance levels for pesticide residues on food products, ensuring that they do not pose health risks to consumers.

The FDA, or Food and Drug Administration, is involved in monitoring food safety but does not establish the tolerances for pesticide residues; it primarily enforces the standards set by the EPA. The USDA, or United States Department of Agriculture, focuses more on the agricultural practices and overall food inspection rather than setting pesticide tolerances. The CDC, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is primarily concerned with public health and disease control, and does not play a role in establishing regulations regarding pesticides. Thus, the EPA is the appropriate agency tasked with this responsibility.