The Environmental Working Group is known to be responsible by creating the list of the most contaminated produce with pesticide residue. Knowing what is on the list each year is helpful to shoppers who seek fruits and vegetables and are unsure about their choices and their exposure to dangerous pesticides.

The List

Every year the EWG does analysis of produce by testing for residue of pesticides. With the information they then create a list and share that information to help educate shoppers on food science and ways to make better selections while shopping.

There are 2 lists: Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen

Food found on the Dirty Dozen list is heavy on the pesticides so consumers should buy Organic when you can. The Clean Fifteen have a minimal amount of pesticides residue which is great news.

Dirty Dozen – remember it is better and healthy to purchase Organic

1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale/Collard/Mustard greens
4. Nectarines
5. Apples
6. Grapes
7. Bell and Hot Peppers
8. Cherries
9. Peaches
10. Pears
11. Celery
12. Tomatoes

Clean Fifteen – this is the cleaner of the lists

1. Avocados
2. Sweet Corn
3. Pineapples
4. Onions
5. Papayas
6. Frozen sweet peas
7. Asparagus
8. Honeydew melon
9. Kiwi
10. Cabbage
11. Mushrooms
12. Cantaloupe
13. Mangoes
14. Watermelon
15. Sweet Potatoes

Keep this list handy and watch for a new list every April from EWG!
The choices are up to you!