What year was the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) enacted?

The Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) was enacted in 1996. This legislation significantly reformed the way the United States regulates pesticides, particularly in relation to their impacts on children and infants. The FQPA was aimed at ensuring that the food supply is safe and that pesticide residues on food do not pose unreasonable risks to human health.

One of the key features of the act is that it requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess the safety of pesticide residues based on a risk-benefit analysis, especially concerning the vulnerability of children. This legislation marked a critical shift toward a more health-conscious approach in agricultural practices and pesticide regulation.

The timing of the act's enactment highlights a growing awareness and concern for food safety issues in the 1990s, making it a pivotal moment in public health and environmental policy. Understanding the background and implications of the FQPA is essential for anyone involved in pest control and agriculture today.