Strawberries, Spinach & Kale Are The Most Contaminated With Pesticides, Study Finds

strawberries
These Fruits & Veggies Are Packed With PesticidesRheanna O'Neill Bellomo

It might be time to switch up those dinner plans tonight because the Environmental Working Group (EWG) just released its annual "Dirty Dozen" list, and there are many popular foods listed.

To create the Dirty Dozen, EWG analyzed 46 produce items to come up with the 12 fruits and vegetables that are most contaminated with pesticides. The produce analyzed includes both domestic and imported fruits and vegetables that consumers can buy in the U.S.

For consumers concerned about the amount of pesticides they're eating, EWG recommends that they only consume organic versions of Dirty Dozen items. The organization also stresses that it's important to get the recommended amount of fruits and veggies regardless of how they're grown.

"Everyone should eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whether organic or conventionally grown. The health benefits of such a diet outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure," the group said.

To all the lovers of leafy greens and berries out there, the list might come across as a bit of a shocker, so brace yourselves.

The full Dirty Dozen list can be found below:

  1. Strawberries

  2. Spinach

  3. Kale, Collard & Mustard Greens

  4. Grapes

  5. Peaches

  6. Pears

  7. Nectarines

  8. Apples

  9. Bell & Hot Peppers

  10. Cherries

  11. Blueberries

  12. Green Beans


Before you get too stressed out about your next grocery run, the group did also share "The Clean Fifteen," which are items with the lowest amounts of pesticide.

The fruits and vegetables listed on EWG's Clean Fifteen list are:

  1. Avocados

  2. Sweet Corn

  3. Pineapple

  4. Onions

  5. Papaya

  6. Sweet Peas (Frozen)

  7. Asparagus

  8. Honeydew Melon

  9. Kiwi

  10. Cabbage

  11. Watermelon

  12. Mushrooms

  13. Mangoes

  14. Sweet Potatoes

  15. Carrots

Suddenly we want to eat lots of guac.

You Might Also Like