What are the levels of pesticides allowed by the EPA on food or feed referred to as?

The levels of pesticides allowed by the EPA on food or feed are referred to as tolerances. This terminology is critical as it defines the maximum amount of pesticide residue that is legally permitted in or on food products. Setting tolerances is an essential part of ensuring food safety and protecting public health, as it allows consumers to be informed about the residues present in their food. These limits are established based on scientific evaluations of how much pesticide residue can remain on food crops without posing a risk to human health.

The other terms mentioned, while related to regulation, do not correctly describe the specific concept of allowable pesticide levels on food. For instance, restrictions may refer to limits placed on the use of certain pesticides due to safety or environmental concerns, while permits involve the formal authorization to use or apply substances. Regulations encompass a broader set of rules governing pesticide usage overall but do not specifically define the permissible residues found on food. Hence, tolerances is the most precise term for the levels of pesticide residue allowed on food or feed.