- The Environmental Working Group (EWG) recently published the "Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce," to highlight which kinds of conventionally grown produce are more likely to contain pesticides.
- More than one-third of strawberry samples analyzed in 2016 contained 10 or more pesticide residues.
- Spinach samples had almost two times as much pesticide residue by weight than any other crop.
We all know we should be eating more fruits and vegetables — but it turns out, some produce comes with a heavy dose of unwanted pesticides, in addition to all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
The Environmental Working Group just came out with their most recent Dirty Dozen list, a ranking of the 12 kinds of produce containing the highest concentration of pesticide residues.
In order to create the list, the EWG looked at over 10,000 samples that the USDA and the Food and Drug Administration took from popular fruits and vegetables.
While the FDA has concluded that pesticide residues pose no risk of concern for infants and children, certain kinds of conventionally grown produce contain higher doses of pesticides — even when washed and peeled — which means you should prioritize buying them organic.
Keep scrolling to see the complete list, ranked from least to most pesticide contamination.
SEE ALSO: 12 of your favorite foods that your grandchildren may never get to enjoy
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12. Sweet Bell Peppers
The EWG found that nearly 90% of conventional sweet bell pepper samples contained pesticide residues. Since bell peppers' skin is not thick enough to keep pesticides out, they're best bought organic.
11. Potatoes
Out of any other crop, the EWG found that conventional potatoes contained the most pesticide residues by weight.
10. Celery
Since celery doesn't have a protective skin, it's highly susceptible to pesticides
The EWG found that more than 95% of conventional celery samples tested positive for pesticides, but also that a whopping 13 pesticides were detected on one of the samples of conventional celery tested.
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