If the proposed use of a food additive is deemed safe at 5 milligrams per gram, what tolerance limitation might the commissioner set?

The proposed use of a food additive deemed safe at 5 milligrams per gram suggests that this concentration is the maximum level where the additive poses no safety risks. When setting tolerance limitations, regulatory authorities often choose levels that account for variability and uncertainty in consumption or exposure, along with a margin of safety.

In this context, setting a tolerance limitation at 4 milligrams per gram allows for a buffer below the safe limit. This is a common practice in food safety regulation to ensure that there is a clear boundary within which consumption remains safe and to mitigate any potential risk from overexposure. A tolerance limitation below the established safe level is prudent as it acknowledges that actual consumption patterns may vary; some individuals might consume more than average, and a margin is provided to protect public health.

Setting the tolerance at 3 or 6 milligrams per gram might not be justified in this scenario. A limit of 3 milligrams provides an additional safety margin but may not be as practical, while 6 milligrams exceeds the deemed safe level, posing a risk to consumer safety. Thus, a limitation of 4 milligrams per gram strikes an appropriate balance between safety and feasibility in food additive regulation.