True or False: Food may have no residues at all because pesticides can degrade over time.

The statement is true because it acknowledges the capacity of pesticides to degrade over time. Pesticides applied to crops do not remain indefinitely on the food. They undergo a process of degradation through various factors such as sunlight, moisture, microbial activity, and chemical interactions. This degradation can lead to a reduction in pesticide residues on food products.

Consequently, if the degradation occurs sufficiently, it is possible for the food to have little to no detectable residues at the time of consumption. This does not imply that residues will always be absent, but it does affirm the potential for complete degradation under certain conditions. Understanding this concept is critical for not only ensuring food safety but also for complying with regulations governing pesticide use and residue limits.