What is pesticide residue?

Pesticide residue refers specifically to the trace amounts of pesticide that may remain on or in the crops after agricultural treatment. This can include various types of chemical substances used for pest control that do not fully dissipate or are not fully removed during the washing, cooking, or processing of food. Understanding pesticide residue is crucial because it can have implications for food safety and regulatory standards. Regulatory agencies often monitor and set limits on the allowable levels of such residues to protect consumers.

The other options do not accurately define pesticide residue: the packaging of pesticides refers to the container and not the chemical itself; the amount of pesticide used during application pertains to the application's rate rather than what remains afterward; and waste material from pesticide production describes byproducts of manufacturing but not what remains on treated crops.