Are Clementines in the Dirty Dozen?

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), certain citrus fruits, including clementines, have historically shown concerning levels of pesticide residues, though they do not appear on the latest official Dirty Dozen list. This raises the question of whether clementines, a popular and convenient snack, are a safe choice for consumers concerned about pesticide exposure.

Quick Summary

This article examines clementine pesticide levels based on recent data from environmental groups and health organizations. It differentiates between the EWG's Dirty Dozen list and broader citrus pesticide research. The piece also explains why some citrus fruits carry high pesticide load and provides actionable advice for minimizing exposure, whether buying conventional or organic clementines.

Key Points

• Not on the Official List: Clementines are not included in the latest EWG Dirty Dozen, but certain reports still cite them for pesticide concerns.

• Peel Contains Pesticides: Conventional clementines are commonly treated with post-harvest fungicides like imazalil on their peels.

• Peeling is Protective: Peeling conventional clementines is highly effective in removing the majority of pesticide residues.

• Organic is Safest: For those who wish to avoid pesticide exposure entirely, or plan to use the zest, organic clementines are the best choice.

• Benefits Outweigh Risks: Health experts emphasize that eating fruits and vegetables, whether organic or conventional, is beneficial for health.

• Peeling is an Active Mitigation Strategy: For conventional clementines, peeling is a robust method to reduce pesticide ingestion, especially when compared to just washing.

• Consider Children's Intake: For children, who may be more susceptible, opting for organic or carefully peeling conventional clementines is a good precaution.

• Avoid Zest from Conventional Fruit: Never use the zest or peel from conventional clementines in recipes due to concentrated pesticide residues.

Understanding the Dirty Dozen and Citrus Fruit

For many years, consumers have turned to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Dirty Dozen list to make informed decisions about their produce purchases. The list identifies the 12 fruits and vegetables with the highest amount of pesticide residues, based on USDA testing. While citrus fruits like oranges and clementines are not on the 2025 EWG Dirty Dozen list, this does not mean they are free of pesticide concerns. In fact, some sources and past reports have flagged citrus, including soft citrus varieties like clementines, for significant pesticide load. The key reason for this lies in the post-harvest treatment of these fruits.

Why Do Some Clementines Have High Pesticide Levels?

Clementines and other citrus fruits are often treated with fungicides after harvesting to prevent mold and extend their shelf life during shipping and storage. These fungicides, such as imazalil and thiabendazole, are applied to the peel and can linger even after washing. Some of these chemicals are a major concern for health organizations and researchers. The EWG, for instance, found alarmingly high levels of these fungicides in tests on citrus, including mandarins which encompass clementines. While peeling the fruit removes a significant portion of the residues, trace amounts can still be present. This makes it crucial for consumers to be aware and take precautions, especially if using the zest or if they have higher exposure concerns.

How to Choose Safer Clementines

When shopping for clementines, consumers can significantly reduce their exposure to pesticides by choosing organic options. Organic citrus is not treated with the same post-harvest fungicides as conventional produce. For those purchasing conventional clementines, proper washing is essential. According to the FDA, washing produce under running water and gently scrubbing can help remove dirt and surface bacteria. Some people also use a vegetable brush to scrub the peel, especially if they plan on using the zest. It is important to remember, however, that while washing can help, it will not remove all pesticide residues, especially those that have been absorbed into the fruit.

The Importance of Peeling

The peeling process for clementines is an effective way to mitigate risk. Studies have shown that the vast majority of fungicide residues remain on the outer peel. By peeling the fruit and discarding the skin, you are creating a much safer final product. The edible portion, or pulp, typically contains negligible amounts of these chemicals. This is an important distinction to make, especially for those who consume large quantities of conventional clementines.

Organic vs. Conventional Clementines: A Comparison

Feature	Conventional Clementines	Organic Clementines
Pesticide/Fungicide Load	Can have high levels, particularly of fungicides like imazalil and thiabendazole, on the peel.	Must adhere to strict organic standards, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fungicides. Trace levels of residue are minimal.
Cost	Typically more affordable and widely available in grocery stores.	Often more expensive due to more labor-intensive farming practices.
Taste	Flavor can vary depending on brand and freshness.	Many report a more intense, flavorful, and sweeter taste due to growing methods.
Nutritional Content	Provides essential vitamins like Vitamin C.	May contain higher levels of certain nutrients and antioxidants, according to some studies on citrus.
Safety for Zest	High risk if using zest, due to high concentration of pesticide residue on the peel.	Safe for using zest, as long as it is washed properly beforehand.

A Balanced Perspective on Clementine Consumption

While the pesticide levels on citrus peels are a valid concern, especially regarding fungicides, it is important to maintain a balanced perspective. Health experts emphasize that the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables, whether conventional or organic, far outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure. The issue for citrus largely hinges on post-harvest treatments, and as shown, peeling is an effective mitigation strategy. For young children, who are more vulnerable to pesticide exposure, opting for organic is often recommended, but peeling conventional clementines is a strong secondary approach. Ultimately, for most consumers, purchasing organic for produce on the Dirty Dozen list and peeling conventional citrus is a sensible strategy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while clementines are not currently on the EWG's official Dirty Dozen list, some soft citrus varieties have been singled out for high levels of post-harvest fungicide residues in other reports and testing. The good news is that the majority of these residues remain on the peel, making peeling a highly effective way to protect yourself and your family. Choosing organic clementines is the safest option, especially if you plan to use the zest. However, for those on a budget or with limited access, conventional clementines are still a healthy snack, particularly when peeled and washed thoroughly. Informed choices and simple preparation can allow everyone to enjoy this popular fruit with confidence.

References

• The Dirty Dozen - Pesticide Action Network UK. (2024, December 11). Facebook. [https://www.facebook.com/PesticideActionNetworkUK/posts/new-dirty-dozen-out-today-the-list-which-reveals-the-food-most-likely-to-contain/1012998520864353/]
• Dirty Dozen: 12 foods packed with pesticides you need to know about. (2025, January 24). Vitamin Patches UK. [https://patchworksuk.com/blog/dirty-dozen-12-foods-packed-with-pesticides-you-need-to-know-about/]
• EWG's 2025 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce | Citrus. (n.d.). Environmental Working Group. [https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/citrus.php/dirty-dozen.php]
• EWG's 2025 'Dirty Dozen' List of Most Pesticide-Contaminated Produce Uses New Methodology. (2025, July 9). Food Safety Magazine. [https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10515-ewgs-2025-dirty-dozen-list-of-most-pesticide-contaminated-produce-uses-new-methodology]
• EWG's Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen Lists 2024 - Green Matters. (2024, March 20). Green Matters. [https://www.greenmatters.com/health-and-wellness/dirty-dozen-list-2024]
• Alenazi, M., Al-Zaid, A., & Najai, J., et al. (2025, August 8). Pesticide Residue Distribution in Citrus Fruits: Effectiveness of Peeling as a Mitigation Strategy. ResearchGate. [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391066310_Pesticide_Residue_Distribution_in_Citrus_Fruits_Effectiveness_of_Peeling_as_a_Mitigation_Strategy]
• EWG's 2025 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce | Citrus. (n.d.). Environmental Working Group. [https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/citrus.php]
• Kordopoulou, M., et al. (2023, April 27). Determination of 355 Pesticides in Lemon and Lemon Juice by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS. MDPI. [https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/12/9/1812]
• Markovic, V., et al. (2023, July 14). Multivariate Assessment and Risk Ranking of Pesticide Residues in Citrus Fruits. National Institutes of Health. [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10340182/]
• ORGANIC OR NON-ORGANIC ORANGES. WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE? (n.d.). Sangaspano. [https://sangaspano.it/gb/module/ets_blog/blog?id_post=25&url_alias=arance-bio-o-non-bio-quale-scegliere]
• Organic Clementines Online Sale on Canalotto Farm. (n.d.). Canalotto Azienda Agricola Biologica. [https://www.canalottofarm.com/en/shop-online/organic-clementines/]
• Navelina oranges, ascorbic acid, mineral content & harvest date. (n.d.). CABI Digital Library. [https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.5555/20163246291]
• The vast world of citrus varieties and their nutrients - CrowdFarming. (2023, November 30). CrowdFarming. [https://www.crowdfarming.com/blog/en/the-vaste-world-of-citrus-varieties-and-their-nutrients/]
• Pittman & Davis. (2020, November 9). 4 Reasons Clementines Are Great for Kids. Pittman & Davis. [https://www.pittmandavis.com/blog/4-reasons-clementines-are-great-for-kids/]
• Safe Handling of Fresh Oranges. (n.d.). Galveston County Health Department. [https://galveston.agrilife.org/files/2012/03/Safe-Handling-of-Fresh-Oranges-Publ.E-202.pdf]
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Key Takeaways

• Clementines are not officially on the EWG's latest Dirty Dozen list: While historically concerning, recent lists do not include them.
• Conventional clementines use post-harvest fungicides: These chemicals, like imazalil and thiabendazole, are applied to the peel for preservation.
• Peeling is a highly effective way to reduce pesticide exposure: The vast majority of pesticide residues are found on the peel, with little transferring to the fruit's pulp.
• Organic clementines are the safest option for pesticide avoidance: Organic varieties are not treated with the same synthetic fungicides, making them ideal, especially if using the zest.
• Washing helps, but peeling is key for conventional fruit: Rinsing under running water removes surface dirt, but peeling is the most reliable method for avoiding fungicide exposure.
• The benefits of eating fruit outweigh pesticide risks: Health experts stress that consuming fruits and vegetables is beneficial for overall health, regardless of whether they are organic or conventional.
• The risk is amplified for those using the citrus zest: If you plan to use the peel in recipes, organic clementines are the best choice.
• Children may be more susceptible to pesticide effects: For vulnerable populations like children, choosing organic or ensuring the fruit is peeled is particularly important.

FAQs

Q: Why don't clementines appear on the official Dirty Dozen list? A: The EWG's Dirty Dozen list is based on USDA test data that changes annually. While citrus, including clementines, has previously been highlighted for pesticide contamination, recent lists have focused on other produce like spinach, strawberries, and grapes based on the latest testing. However, the EWG continues to document pesticide concerns specifically for citrus.

Q: Is peeling conventional clementines enough to make them safe? A: Yes, for most consumers, peeling is a highly effective way to reduce pesticide exposure from clementines. Most fungicide residues remain on the outer peel, and studies show that the fruit's interior typically contains negligible amounts. It's crucial to wash the fruit first, as the peeling process itself can transfer some residue from the skin to the flesh.

Q: What about the fungicides like imazalil and thiabendazole found on citrus? A: These post-harvest fungicides are of particular concern to environmental groups like the EWG, which has found high levels on citrus fruits, including mandarins. They are used to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life during transportation and storage.

Q: What is the difference between clementines, tangerines, and mandarin oranges? A: Clementines are a specific hybrid of mandarin oranges, often known for being small, sweet, and typically seedless. Tangerines are another variety of mandarin. All clementines are mandarins, but not all mandarins are clementines. All these soft citrus varieties share similar pesticide residue concerns.

Q: Is it safe to use the zest of a conventional clementine in recipes? A: No, it is not recommended. Since post-harvest fungicides are concentrated on the peel, using the zest from a conventional clementine would introduce these residues directly into your food. If a recipe calls for zest, it is best to use an organic clementine.

Q: What is the best way to wash clementines and other citrus? A: The FDA recommends gently rubbing produce under plain running water. For conventional citrus, a produce brush can be used to scrub the surface before peeling. Avoid using soaps or detergents, as these can leave harmful residues.

Q: Should children only eat organic clementines? A: For parents concerned about children's health, organic clementines offer the lowest risk of pesticide exposure. However, peeling conventional clementines significantly reduces the risk, making them a viable and healthy option as well. Experts generally agree that the benefits of consuming fruit outweigh the risks associated with conventional produce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a lot of risk from pesticides on conventional clementines?

The primary risk from conventional clementines comes from fungicides like imazalil that are applied to the peel after harvesting. These residues are mostly concentrated on the skin, so peeling the fruit significantly reduces exposure, making it a low-risk option for most consumers.

Does washing clementines effectively remove pesticides?

While washing conventional clementines with running water is a good practice to remove dirt and some surface bacteria, it is not fully effective at removing the post-harvest fungicides that penetrate the peel. Peeling is the most reliable method for removing these residues from the edible portion.

Are organic clementines really free of all pesticides?

Organic clementines are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fungicides, especially the post-harvest treatments common with conventional varieties. While trace environmental contamination can sometimes occur, they are the safest option for avoiding pesticide residue.

What is the difference between the EWG Dirty Dozen and reports on citrus pesticides?

The EWG's Dirty Dozen is a specific list of 12 produce items with the highest pesticide load based on recent USDA data. Reports highlighting citrus pesticide concerns, like the EWG's own citrus-specific information, address broader findings about chemical residues on citrus, which do not always land them on the top 12 list each year but remain a valid concern.

Is it safe for children to eat conventional clementines?

Yes, it is generally safe for children to eat conventional clementines as long as they are peeled. Children are more sensitive to chemical exposure, so taking the extra step of peeling is a key protective measure. Some parents prefer organic for peace of mind, especially if their child eats a high volume of citrus.

How can I tell if a clementine is organic?

Organic clementines will be clearly labeled as such, often with the USDA organic seal, and will typically be sold in a separate section of the produce aisle. They are usually not branded with common commercial names like 'Cuties' or 'Halos', which are typically conventional.

Why is the zest of conventional clementines considered unsafe?

The primary reason is that post-harvest fungicides, applied to prevent mold and extend shelf life, are heavily concentrated on the peel. Using the zest from a conventional clementine would directly add these chemicals to your food, which is not recommended for consumption.

What is the nutritional difference between organic and conventional clementines?

Some studies suggest organic citrus may have higher levels of certain nutrients and antioxidants compared to conventional counterparts. However, both provide ample vitamin C and other beneficial compounds.