(NewsNation) — The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization, has released its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of fruits and vegetables containing the highest amounts of pesticide residues.
The EWG analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to compile the list, which aims to raise awareness about pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables commonly consumed by Americans.
Consumers can use these lists as a guide to make informed choices about which produce items to prioritize when buying organic or conventional options.
The Full “Dirty Dozen”
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale, collard & mustard greens
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Pears
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Bell & hot peppers
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Green beans
“This year, EWG determined that 75 percent of all conventional fresh produce sampled had residues of potentially harmful pesticides,” according to the EWG. “But for items on the Dirty Dozen, a whopping 95 percent of samples contain pesticides.”
A total of 209 pesticides were found on Dirty Dozen items. Across all 12 items, 95 percent of samples had pesticides.
Some of these toxic synthetic pesticides are linked to cancer, brain and nervous system toxicity and hormone disruption, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For consumers looking to limit their exposure to pesticides, the EWG also issued its annual “Clean Fifteen” list of produce containing minimal residues.
The Full “Clean Fifteen”
- Avocados
- Sweet corn
- Pineapple
- Onions
- Papaya
- Sweet peas (frozen)
- Asparagus
- Honeydew melon
- Kiwi
- Cabbage
- Watermelon
- Mushrooms
- Mangoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
To enjoy produce safely, experts recommend:
- Buying organic when possible especially for those on the Dirty Dozen list
- Thoroughly washing and scrubbing conventionally-grown items
- Peeling thicker-skinned produce like apples, nectarines and pears
- Making smoothies to dilute residues
- Trimming outer leaves of leafy greens
- Growing your own at home