Fresh Concerns: Top 12 Produce Items High in Pesticides

As we seek the nutritional benefits from our fruits and vegetables, it’s crucial we remember to consider the effects that pesticides can have on our health. A report published annually by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) serves as a stark reminder. This report, known as the “Dirty Dozen”, outlines the top 12 fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide contamination.

For its 2024 edition of the “Dirty Dozen”, the EWG based its findings on data from tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on 47,510 samples, encompassing 46 different types of fruits and vegetables.

While the USDA and FDA both wash produce before testing, the methods differ. The USDA peels or scrubs and washes samples, while the FDA only removes dirt. Despite these efforts, the tests still uncovered 254 pesticides.

Pesticides are substances engineered to destroy pests such as insects, weeds, and mold. The EWG emphasizes that even after a thorough washing, traces of these potentially harmful chemicals can persist on your fruits and vegetables. Studies have linked some of these pesticides to serious health concerns like cancer, hormone disruption, and cognitive and behavioral problems.

The report highlights four pesticides (fludioxonil, pyraclostrobin, boscalid, and pyrimethanil) which were frequently present in the tested produce. These are also classified as fungicides. Alexis Temkin, PhD, the senior toxicologist at EWG, warns, “Emerging evidence suggests many widely used fungicides may disrupt human hormone systems.” She also calls for more studies to better comprehend the risks posed by these chemicals, particularly to children.

The EWG suggests buying organic produce as a way to circumnavigate the potential risks associated with the contaminated items on the “Dirty Dozen” list. And so, allow us to reveal which 12 fruits and vegetables have made the unenviable list in this latest report.

First, green beans. According to the EWG, these may contain traces of acephate and methamidophos, two insecticides associated with harm to the developing nervous system. Next, blueberries retain their position from the previous year at 11th place, with concerning traces of phosmet and malathion (organophosphate insecticides) which can be harmful to the human nervous system, especially in growing children.

Over 90% of cherry samples were found to be laced with residues from two or more pesticides, alarming ones being pyraclostrobin (linked to liver toxicity and metabolic disorders) and boscalid (associated with cancer and thyroid dysfunction). Bell and hot peppers were found to be contaminated with an astounding 101 unique pesticides.

The report further highlights the prevalence of pesticide contamination in apples, nectarines, pears, peaches, and grapes. Pears, in particular, showed a worrying increase in the number of chemicals found. Spinach and a trio of greens (kale, collard, and mustard) also make the list with spinach testing positive for an average of seven different pesticides.

And finally, topping the list, are strawberries. They have been identified as the fresh produce most likely to carry pesticide residues, despite being rinsed and washed before consumption. Beware, as these sweet morsels come with a hidden cocktail of pesticides, some of which have been linked to cancer and reproductive damage.

Stay educated about your food. The key takeaway here isn’t to avoid these fruits and vegetables altogether but rather to make informed purchasing decisions, considering organic choices when available and giving your produce a good wash before consumption.

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