2014 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce

Two-thirds of produce samples in recent government tests had pesticide residues. Don’t want to eat bug- and weed-killers?  Check out EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce . It is worth your health to purchase organic when possible, particularly for children and teens.  The following list is the fruits and vegetables that test the highest for pesticide residues. If you see a food you regularly eat on this list, choose the organic version instead.  Remember – the health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables outweigh risks of pesticide exposure.

Dirty Dozen Plus™

APPLES , STRAWBERRIES, GRAPES, CELERY, PEACHES, SPINACH, SWEET BELL PEPPERS, NECTARINES – IMPORTED, CUCUMBERS, CHERRY TOMATOES, SNAP PEAS – IMPORTED, POTATOES, HOT PEPPERS, KALE/COLLARD GREENS, AVOCADOS, SWEET CORN, PINEAPPLES, CABBAGE, SWEET PEAS-FROZEN, ONIONS, ASPARAGUS, MANGOES, PAPAYAS, KIWI, EGGPLANT, GRAPEFRUIT, CANTALOUPE, CAULIFLOWER, SWEET POTATOES