The 2024 “Dirty Dozen” list was recently released, showcasing the 12 fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticides. Common items like spinach, blueberries, apples, and strawberries were highlighted for containing potentially harmful chemicals. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit organization focused on a cleaner food supply, found that 75% of conventional fresh fruits and vegetables had residues of pesticides.
Items on the “Dirty Dozen” list showed pesticide residue 95% of the time, making them a cause for concern. In contrast, the “Clean 15” list celebrates fruits and vegetables with the lowest levels of pesticides. To compile the list, the organization analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration, looking at 47,510 samples of 46 different produce items.
While the EWG emphasizes the importance of consuming fruits and vegetables regardless of whether they are organic, they also acknowledge the need for consumers to be aware of pesticide exposure. The “Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce” can be a helpful resource for individuals looking to make informed choices for themselves and their families. The organization’s Senior Scientist, Alexa Friedman, encourages consumers to use the guide to select the best produce options.
Some of the items on the 2024 “Dirty Dozen” list include strawberries, spinach, kale, grapes, and apples, among others. On the other hand, the “Clean 15” list features fruits and vegetables like avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, onions, and asparagus, known for having lower levels of pesticides. Critics of the list suggest that it may deter Americans from consuming fruits and vegetables, even though health benefits outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure.
Despite concerns raised by growers about the impact of the annual list on consumer behavior, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that only one in 10 Americans meet their daily fruit and vegetable intake requirements. The Alliance for Food and Farming has pointed out that the majority of foods tested have pesticide residue levels below the EPA’s safety standards, with a significant portion having no detectable residue at all.
To mitigate the risks of pesticide exposure, consumers are advised to wash their produce thoroughly before consumption. The FDA recommends against using soap or detergent, while the National Pesticide Information Center suggests washing under running water. Additionally, opting for organic produce and diversifying one’s diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables can help limit pesticide exposure. Overall, being mindful of where one’s produce falls on the pesticide scale and taking proper precautions can contribute to a healthier diet and lifestyle.
