What’s the difference between a pesticide and a pesticide residue?
Pesticides can break down into related chemicals. When this occurs, USDA often tests for the related chemicals as well as for the pesticide itself. Whatever pesticides and related chemicals are left on the food are collectively called “pesticide residues.” Because “pesticide residues” can be a mouthful this website sometimes refers to “pesticides” when “pesticide residues” would be more complete and accurate.
