The US-based Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its annual Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce - Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen of 2022. This is a list of the most and least pesticide-contaminated conventionally grown fruits and vegetables, based on the latest tests by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The EWG is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment. They research the quality of tap water, the safety of cosmetics, genetically modified organisms, and the amounts of pesticides in and on our food, among other things.
The EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce is updated each year and ranks pesticide contamination on 47 popular fresh fruits and vegetables.
Out of the 35,200 samples tested by the USDA and FDA, pesticide residues were found on over 70% of the non-organic fruits and vegetables. Pesticides are meant to kill pests including fungi, insects and plants, however, many pesticides are also linked to serious human health issues including hormone disruption, brain and nervous system toxicity and cancer.
“Everyone should eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, no matter how they’re grown,” says Alexis Temkin, Ph.D., EWG Toxicologist. “But shoppers have the right to know what potentially toxic substances are found on these foods, so they can make the best choices for their families, given budgetary and other concerns.”
Similar results may or may not be replicated in Canada.
EWG recommends that consumers purchase organic version of Dirty Dozen produce whenever possible.
If they are not able to purchase organic, consumers are encouraged to thoroughly rinse fruits and vegetables before consumption whenever possible to remove potential contaminants.
Environmental Working Group’s 2022 Dirty Dozen
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale, collard & mustard greens
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Bell & hot peppers
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Pears
- Celery
- Tomatoes
When organic options are unavailable or unaffordable, EWG advises shoppers to buy from its Clean Fifteen.
Environmental Working Group’s Clean Fifteen
- Avocados
- Sweet corn
- Pineapple
- Onions
- Papaya
- Sweat peas (frozen)
- Asparagus
- Honeydew melon
- Kiwi
- Cabbage
- Mushrooms
- Cantaloupe
- Mangoes
- Watermelon
- Sweet potatoes