Although the Food and Drug Administration regulates most aspects of food production and consumption in the United States, the EPA is responsible for regulating the use of pesticides on food. If improperly used, pesticides can cause serious health problems, including birth defects, nerve damage, cancer, and unique health risks to children. The EPA, in cooperation with the states, carefully regulates pesticides to ensure that their use does not compromise food safety. In particular, the Federal pesticide program is designed to ensure that pesticides can be used without posing harm to the most vulnerable members of society, children and infants.

Recommended EPA Web pages

• Pesticides and Food: What You and Your Family Need to Know
  Discusses the risks and benefits of pesticide use on food, and how consumers can reduce their exposure to pesticides.
• The EPA and Food Security
  Discusses EPA's primary contributions to protect the public from pesticides on food.
• National Agriculture Compliance Assistance Center: Food Safety
  Good description of the economic reasons to be concerned and informed about food safety.

Children's Health
School Environments

Exposure
Acute Exposure, Cumulative Exposure, Dermal Exposure, Dietary Exposure, Exposure Assessment, Exposure Route, Threshold Level

Food Safety
Irradiated Food

Health Assessment

Health Effects
Asthma, Genetic Damage, Respiratory Disease

Occupational Health
Worker Protection, Worker Safety

Seniors' Health
Aging Initiative

Sun Protection

Toxicity
Chronic Toxicity, Dermal Toxicity, Toxicological Profile