Which criterion is used by the EPA in establishing pesticide tolerances?

The criterion used by the EPA in establishing pesticide tolerances focuses on the toxicity of the pesticide and its breakdown products. This is crucial because determining tolerances involves assessing the potential risks that a pesticide may pose to human health and the environment. Toxicity evaluations consider both the active ingredients and their metabolites, which are the breakdown products that can have their own health implications.

By examining toxicity, the EPA ensures that any pesticide used in food production does not exceed levels that could harm consumers or impact ecological systems. This scientific assessment is fundamental in determining safe residue levels, thereby protecting public health while allowing for the agricultural use of pesticides. Other factors like price, consumer popularity, or the availability of alternatives, while relevant to different aspects of pesticide use or market dynamics, do not play a role in the scientific basis for establishing safe tolerances.