The "Dirty Dozen." Learn the 12 most pesticide contaminated foods

November 19, 8:54 AMAtlanta Healthy Trends ExaminerKelly George

Previous Next

1 comment Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Atlanta Healthy Trends Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Peaches top the Dirty Dozen (source:photobucket/yogiwan)

It’s not always easy to find organic foods and sometimes they cost a bit more. So not all of your food has to be organic. But foods which contain higher amounts of pesticides are the ones you should try to buy organic.

Pesticides are hard to wash off completely and they can seep into fruits and veggies. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), consumers can reduce their pesticide exposure 80-percent by avoiding the most contaminated fruits and vegetables.

EWG developed a list called the "dirty dozen." Here is the updated list:

12 Most Contaminated (try to buy these organic)
Peaches
Apples
Sweet Bell Peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Kale
Lettuce
Grapes(imported)
Carrots
Pears

12 Least Contaminated (don't worry as much, if not organic)
Onions
Avocado
Sweet Corn (Frozen)
Pineapples
Mango
Asparagus
Sweet Peas (Frozen)
Kiwi Fruit
Bananas
Cabbage
Broccoli
Papaya

For a complete list of foods ranking from most contaminated to least, down load the environmental working group's shoppers guide click here.