Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, featuring two essential lists: the Dirty Dozen, which highlights fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residues, and the Clean Fifteen, which includes those with the lowest. This guide is based on rigorous analysis of testing data from the USDA and the FDA.

🧪 How Is the Data Collected?

The USDA and FDA test thousands of samples of produce each year, both domestic and imported. Produce is typically washed and peeled—just as a consumer might at home—before being tested for pesticide residues. The results show how many different types of pesticides are present and in what concentrations.

Even after washing and peeling, many conventional fruits and vegetables still contain multiple pesticide residues. In fact, over 75% of conventional produce samples tested by the USDA in 2024 contained pesticide residues. The EWG compiles this data and ranks the produce according to the number and concentration of detected pesticides.

🧼 Dirty Dozen (2024 Edition)

These 12 foods tested highest for pesticide contamination:

1. Strawberries

2. Spinach

3. Kale, Collard & Mustard Greens

4. Grapes

5. Peaches

6. Pears

7. Nectarines

8. Apples

9. Bell & Hot Peppers

10. Cherries

11. Blueberries

12. Green Beans

💡 Why It Matters:

• Multiple pesticide residues: Over 90% of strawberries, spinach, apples, and grapes had two or more pesticides.

• Toxic banned substances: Green beans were found to contain residues of acephate, a pesticide banned by the EPA over 10 years ago.

• Health implications: Chronic exposure to even low levels of pesticide residues has been associated with neurodevelopmental delays, hormonal disruption, and increased risk of certain cancers—especially in vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women (Schafer et al., 2022).

✅ What You Can Do:

• Buy organic versions of these items when possible.

• Wash thoroughly with a vinegar soak (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) and scrub skins if edible.

• Diversify your diet to avoid consuming large amounts of the same contaminated items.

🍃 Clean Fifteen (2024 Edition)

These fruits and vegetables had the lowest detectable pesticide residues:

1. Avocados

2. Sweet Corn

3. Pineapple

4. Onions

5. Papaya

6. Frozen Sweet Peas

7. Asparagus

8. Honeydew Melon

9. Kiwi

10. Cabbage

11. Watermelon

12. Mushrooms

13. Mangoes

14. Sweet Potatoes

15. Carrots

💡 Why It Matters:

• Low or no pesticide residues: Nearly 65% of Clean Fifteen samples had no detectable pesticides.

• Thicker skins or husks: Many of these items (e.g., avocados, pineapples) have natural barriers that protect the edible parts from pesticide exposure.

• Safe to buy conventional: These items are considered safe to purchase in their non-organic form, helping reduce grocery costs without compromising health.

✅ What You Can Do:

• Prioritize budget: Save your organic budget for the Dirty Dozen and feel more confident buying these conventional items.

• Still wash thoroughly: Although residue is minimal, cleaning produce reduces bacteria and surface chemicals.

Why Reducing Pesticide Exposure Is Important

Long-term pesticide exposure has been linked with numerous health issues:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders in children (e.g., lower IQ, ADHD)

• Hormonal disruption and fertility issues

• Increased risk of cancers, particularly blood and endocrine-related types

• Gut microbiome imbalance, which can affect immune health and metabolism

Even if pesticide levels are considered “safe” by regulatory standards, research shows that cumulative exposure from multiple foods over time can pose a greater risk than once believed (Landrigan & Belpoggi, 2021).

🌱 Takeaway

The EWG's Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen offer a practical guide to help reduce your pesticide exposure without needing to buy 100% organic. By focusing on organic choices for the most contaminated produce and making informed conventional choices, you can protect your health and that of your family while supporting sustainable food practices.

For the most current data and detailed produce rankings, visit the EWG website.