What is the FDA's role regarding pesticides in food products?

The FDA's primary responsibility in relation to pesticides and food products is to establish tolerances for pesticide residues. This means that the FDA sets permissible limits on the amount of pesticide residues that can remain on food products after they are treated with pesticides. These tolerances are vital for ensuring food safety, as they help protect consumers from potential health risks associated with pesticide exposure.

By determining what levels of pesticide residues are acceptable, the FDA plays a significant role in regulating food safety and public health. This process involves evaluating scientific data on pesticide toxicity and its potential effects on human health to make informed decisions about the safety of food products.

Other roles such as creating marketing strategies for food producers, regulating food pricing, or promoting organic farming fall outside the scope of the FDA's responsibilities concerning pesticide regulation. The focus remains firmly on establishing and enforcing standards that protect consumers from harmful residues in food.