What must be established for pesticides that are to be used on food and feed crops?

The establishment of pesticide tolerance levels for substances used on food and feed crops is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Tolerance levels refer to the maximum amount of pesticide residue that is permitted on food products. These levels are determined through rigorous scientific studies and assessments of the potential health effects on humans and animals.

Setting tolerance levels ensures that the food supply remains safe for consumption, protecting consumers from the harmful effects of pesticide residues. Regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), evaluate various factors, including toxicological data and exposure assessments, to establish these thresholds.

This is essential because it guides agricultural practices, ensuring that farmers and applicators use pesticides responsibly and within legal limits. Without established tolerance levels, there would be a risk of excessive pesticide residues on food, which could lead to health concerns for consumers.

The other options, while related to pesticide usage, do not focus directly on the safety levels for residues on food, making the establishment of tolerance levels the most critical requirement in this context.