Which of the following describes a pesticide?

The correct answer describes a pesticide as a substance used to control pests, which is a central function of pesticides in agriculture and public health. Pesticides are specifically formulated products that kill or manage various types of pests, including insects, rodents, weeds, fungi, and other organisms that can harm crops, food supplies, or human health. They are not applied indiscriminately; only certified operators who have been trained in their safe and effective use are authorized to apply these chemicals, ensuring that they are used in a manner that minimizes risks to humans and the environment.

In this context, the other options do not accurately define a pesticide. Enhancing food safety involves numerous practices and substances, but it does not specifically refer to pest control. Reducing food waste encompasses a variety of strategies unrelated to pest control. Similarly, the designation of a type of food that does not require cooking does not relate to pesticides in any meaningful way. Thus, only the description of pesticides as substances used to control pests and requiring a certified operator is accurate.