The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has compiled its "Clean Fifteen Dirty Dozen" list for several years now, to help consumers prioritize which produce to buy organic, and which are safest to buy non-organic.
The organization says 75% of non-organic fruits and vegetables sold in the U.S. are “riddled” with potentially toxic agricultural chemicals. Some of the pesticides detected have been banned in the U.S. or Europe because of concerns about how they harm people.
“Despite the abundance of science linking exposure to pesticides with serious health issues, a potentially toxic cocktail of concerning chemicals continues to taint many of the non-organic fruits and vegetables that are eaten by consumers,” said Alexis Temkin, EWG toxicologist.
EWG’s analysis of the latest fruit and vegetable is from testing data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The 2023 edition includes data from 46,569 samples of 46 fruits and vegetables, covering 251 different pesticides.
“Everyone – adults and kids – should eat more fruits and vegetables, whether organic or not,“ Temkin said. “A produce-rich diet provides many health benefits.
“But in the ongoing absence of meaningful federal oversight, consumers concerned about pesticide exposure can use EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce to navigate the produce aisle in ways that work best for them and their families.”
Print out the EWG's Clean 15 Dirty Dozen guide to take with you when you go grocery shopping, and keep your family safe while staying budget-friendly!
