While pesticides are a useful way to limit damage to agricultural products, many pesticides can be harmful to human health and the environment. Rep. Waxman was a primary author of the Food Quality Protection Act (P.L. 104-170), the sweeping legislation that broke through years of stalemate and passed both bodies of Congress with unanimous support. The measure, which has been called the "most important law you never heard of,” established a national safety standard for pesticide residue on all raw and processed foods. The law provides consumers with greater access to information about pesticides in their food and emphasizes the protection of infants and children from pesticide exposure. Since its enactment over a decade ago, P.L. 104-170 has allowed regulations to keep pace with advancements in science while keeping harmful pesticide residues out of the nation’s food supply and drinking water.
Representative Henry A. Waxman 30th District of California
