12 Fruits and Vegetables with the Highest Levels of Pesticide This Year
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You’ve likely heard the advice to wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and there’s a strong reason behind it: many types of produce carry significant pesticide residues. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization, recently released its 2024 Dirty Dozen list, highlighting the fruits and vegetables most affected by pesticide contamination.
Out of 46 produce items analyzed, 12 stood out as the most contaminated. This annual list, based on research from the USDA and FDA and compiled in EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, aims to help consumers make more informed choices. Here are the top 12 most pesticide-laden fruits and vegetables from this year’s findings.
Strawberries
Strawberries top the list for pesticide contamination, with Department of Agriculture tests showing they carry more pesticide residues than most other fresh produce, even after multiple washings. The average American eats about eight pounds of strawberries yearly, potentially consuming chemicals linked to their health issues. Therefore, non-organic strawberries remain a primary concern on the Dirty Dozen list.
Spinach
Nutrient-rich spinach is often considered a superfood but ranks high in pesticide contamination.
Kale, Collard & Mustard Greens
Over half of the kale, collard, and mustard green samples were found to contain pesticides that may increase cancer risk, adding an unfortunate downside to these otherwise nutritious greens.
Grapes
These popular fruits contain significant pesticide residue, making them a high-ranking item on the Dirty Dozen list.
Peaches
With a reputation for absorbing pesticides, peaches are packed with pesticide residues that can linger on the fruit, leading to their inclusion on this list.
Pears
Pears are among the most pesticide-contaminated fruits on the Dirty Dozen, with multiple pesticides detected on samples tested.
Nectarines
Like peaches, nectarines are prone to pesticide contamination, often containing multiple residues.
Apples
Apples are frequently treated with chemicals after harvest to preserve freshness, leading to significant pesticide residue.
Bell and Hot Peppers
Both bell and hot peppers were found to have high levels of pesticide residues, ranking them among the most contaminated produce.
Cherries
These small fruits often contain high pesticide contamination, making them a consistent feature on the Dirty Dozen list.
Blueberries
Joining the Dirty Dozen™ this year, blueberries were found to have notable pesticide residues.
Green Beans
Despite an EPA ban on certain pesticides over a decade ago, green beans continue to show contamination, landing them on the Dirty Dozen list for 2024.
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