TWELVE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TOP THE LIST FOR HIGHEST PESTICIDE LEVELS
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An annual report from the Environmental Working Group has identified the top twelve fruits and vegetables containing high levels of pesticides, known as the “Dirty Dozen.” These produce items are loaded with toxins, including some that are prohibited in Europe. The list is compiled based on data from 53,692 samples of 47 fruits and vegetables from the USDA.
Topping the list of the “Dirty Dozen” is spinach, with an average of seven pesticides found on the leafy greens sampled. Notably, 76% of the samples contained permethrin, a pesticide banned in Europe since 2002. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies permethrin as ‘Likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans’ and restricts its use to crops and farms only.
Other fruits and vegetables on the list include strawberries, kale (along with mustard greens and collards), grapes, peaches, cherries, nectarines, pears, apples, blackberries, blueberries, and potatoes. Potatoes were found to contain chlorpropham, a pesticide also banned in Europe, primarily used to inhibit sprouting in stored potatoes.
The research revealed that 75% of non-organic samples contained pesticides, indicating a widespread presence of these chemicals in conventional produce. Blackberries made the list for the first time, with a single sample found to have 14 different pesticide residues, highlighting the concerning levels in some fruits.
In contrast, the Environmental Working Group also releases a list of the “Clean Fifteen,” which includes produce items with the lowest pesticide levels. These include foods like pineapples, sweet corn, avocados, papaya, onions, and more. Most of the items on the “Clean Fifteen” list do not have an edible skin, a common trait among produce items with lower pesticide levels.
The advocacy group’s vice president of science, Alexis Temkin, emphasized the importance of consumers being mindful of pesticide exposure and highlighted the benefits of transitioning to an organic diet in reducing pesticide levels in the body. The Alliance for Food and Farming’s executive director echoed the sentiment, underscoring the nutritional value and safety of both organic and conventionally grown produce.
As the debate around pesticide use and its impact on human health continues, consumers are encouraged to make informed choices about their fruit and vegetable consumption. The release of these lists serves as a resource for individuals looking to minimize their exposure to harmful chemicals while enjoying a varied and nutritious diet. Through awareness and informed decision-making, individuals can take steps towards a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.