The Environmental Working Group (EWG)released a study that has identified the twelve most pesticide contaminated types of produce also known as the "Dirty Dozen"
The recent e coli outbreak in Europe is a great example of how tasteless and odorless dangers can exist on our food and that steps can be taken to try and prevent sickness.
In the case of pesticide contaminated produce consumers can try and buy organic alternatives.
The "Dirty Dozen" of pesticide contaminated produce!
Of the 700 samples that were tested, the produce that appears in the “Dirty Dozen” had pesticide residue on them 98% of the time (tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture).
For the produce that has this high incidence of pesticide residue, the EWG recommends buying organic.
The “Dirty Dozen” is listed from worst pesticide contamination to the least (worst)
- Apples;
- Celery;
- Strawberries;
- Peaches;
- Spinach;
- Imported nectarines;
- Imported grapes;
- Sweet bell peppers;
- Potatoes;
- Domestic blueberries;
- Lettuce; and
- Kale/collard greens.
15 types of produce with the least pesticide contamination
- Onions;
- Sweet corn;
- Pineapples:
- Avocados:
- Asparagus;
- sweet peas;
- Mangoes;
- Eggplant;
- Domestic cantaloupe;
- Kiwifruit;
- Cabbage;
- Watermelon;
- Sweet potatoes
- Grapefruit; and
- Mushrooms.
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