Yes, are russet potatoes in the dirty dozen? A 2025 update.

According to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 2025 Shopper's Guide, potatoes were added to the Dirty Dozen list for the first time in several years, meaning russet potatoes are included in the category of conventionally grown produce with high pesticide residues.

Quick Summary

An analysis of the 2025 EWG report confirms potatoes, including russet varieties, are on the Dirty Dozen list due to high levels of a specific post-harvest pesticide. The guide helps consumers prioritize organic purchases.

Key Points

• Yes, they are: Russet potatoes are included in the general "potatoes" category on the 2025 EWG Dirty Dozen list, which means conventional russet potatoes are high in pesticide residues.

• Chlorpropham is the key concern: The primary reason for potatoes' inclusion is the high level of the chemical chlorpropham, a sprout inhibitor found on nearly 90% of samples tested in 2025.

• EU has banned chlorpropham: The European Union banned chlorpropham in 2019 due to health concerns, adding weight to the EWG's findings.

• Peeling can help, but isn't a guarantee: While peeling conventional potatoes can remove some surface pesticide residues, it does not eliminate all risks, as some chemicals can be absorbed.

• Buying organic is the best option: For those concerned about pesticide exposure, choosing organic potatoes is the most effective way to avoid these chemical residues.

• Washing is insufficient: Simply washing conventional potatoes under a faucet is not enough to remove all pesticide residues, especially chemicals like chlorpropham.

Understanding the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that specializes in research and advocacy related to human health and the environment. Each year, they publish the Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce, which includes the "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean Fifteen" lists. These lists are designed to help consumers make more informed choices about which produce to buy organic and which is generally safe to purchase conventionally. The rankings are based on an analysis of the latest produce testing data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The EWG's methodology considers the number of pesticides detected on a crop, the frequency of detection, and the overall toxicity of the chemicals. While the lists have faced some criticism over the years, they remain a widely used tool for those seeking to reduce their dietary pesticide exposure.

The 2025 Dirty Dozen and Why Potatoes Made the Cut

For the first time in several years, potatoes officially joined the 2025 Dirty Dozen list, specifically in the twelfth position. This means that conventional potatoes tested by the USDA contained significantly high levels of pesticide residues. The primary reason for their re-inclusion is the high concentration of chlorpropham (CIPC), a post-harvest sprout inhibitor. A significant finding from the 2025 analysis was that nearly 90% of conventional potato samples tested positive for chlorpropham. For context, the European Union banned the use of this chemical in 2019 due to consumer and worker health concerns. The EWG's 2025 methodology also incorporated an evaluation of pesticide toxicity, which contributed to potatoes' placement on the list. This underscores that it is not just the quantity but also the type of pesticide that is concerning.

Why the concern about chlorpropham?

Chlorpropham is used on potatoes after harvest to prevent them from sprouting during storage, which extends their shelf life. As a chemical, its use has been debated, and its ban in the EU signals a serious reevaluation of its safety. Since potatoes absorb chemicals from the soil and are treated after they are harvested, the pesticides can linger, even after washing. This is particularly concerning as many people consume potatoes with their skin on, which is where a significant amount of the chemical residue is concentrated.

Are All Conventional Potatoes Equally Contaminated?

While the EWG's report lists "potatoes" as a category, the findings apply broadly to all conventionally grown potato varieties, including the popular russet potato. The EWG's Food Scores database, which rates individual food products, has also explicitly flagged russet potatoes as being on the Dirty Dozen list for pesticide residues. The issue is not specific to one variety but is a function of common agricultural and storage practices for conventionally grown potatoes. Though potatoes on the list averaged fewer types of pesticides than some other Dirty Dozen items, the prevalence and concentration of the sprout inhibitor CIPC were the key factors for their inclusion. This suggests that regardless of the specific variety, if a potato is conventionally grown, it carries a higher risk of pesticide residue compared to organic alternatives.

Dirty Dozen vs. Clean Fifteen: A Comparison

The EWG's lists provide a stark contrast between produce with high and low pesticide loads. This comparison can help guide your shopping decisions.

Feature	Dirty Dozen (Conventional)	Clean Fifteen (Conventional)
Pesticide Residue	Highest levels detected.	Lowest levels detected.
Recommended Action	Prioritize buying organic versions.	Safer to buy conventional versions.
2025 Examples	Potatoes, Strawberries, Spinach, Kale.	Avocados, Sweet Corn, Onions, Pineapple.
Washing Effectiveness	Washing may not remove all residues due to absorption.	Minimal risk, washing is generally sufficient.
Skin Consumption	Often consumed with skin, where residue concentrates.	Often consumed with thick, peelable skin.
Number of Pesticides	High variety and concentration found.	Fewer types of pesticides found.

How to Reduce Your Exposure to Pesticides

When buying potatoes, if you are concerned about pesticide residues, here are a few actionable steps you can take:

• Buy Organic Potatoes: The simplest and most effective way to avoid conventional pesticides is to purchase certified organic potatoes. This is especially important for Dirty Dozen items like potatoes. Organic farming practices prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides and post-harvest inhibitors like chlorpropham.
• Consider Peeling: While the skin contains fiber and nutrients, peeling conventional potatoes can remove a significant portion of the surface-level pesticide residues. This is a good option if organic is not available or affordable.
• Wash Thoroughly: Even with peeling, washing your produce is important. Use a vegetable brush to scrub the surface under running water to remove dirt and some surface chemicals. However, be aware that this is not guaranteed to remove all contaminants, especially systemic ones.
• Know Your Source: Try to buy produce from local farmers you know and trust. Ask about their growing practices to understand how they manage pests and post-harvest storage. This can give you more confidence in the safety of your food.
• Consult the EWG List: Keep a copy of the latest Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists handy. This is the whole purpose of the guide—to give you a tool for making educated choices at the grocery store.

Conclusion

To answer the question, "Are russet potatoes in the dirty dozen?" the answer is a clear yes. All conventional potatoes, including the russet variety, were placed on the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Dirty Dozen list for 2025. This addition was primarily driven by the high detection rates of the post-harvest sprout inhibitor chlorpropham, a chemical that the European Union has deemed too risky for food use. For consumers concerned about pesticide exposure, this serves as an important reminder to consider buying organic potatoes whenever possible. While options like peeling and thorough washing can help reduce residue, purchasing organic remains the most reliable method for minimizing your intake of agricultural chemicals associated with conventional potato farming. Making these informed choices empowers you to take greater control over the food you and your family consume.

Visit the EWG website for the latest Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are conventional potatoes on the Dirty Dozen list?

Conventional potatoes are on the 2025 Dirty Dozen list primarily due to high levels of chlorpropham, a post-harvest sprout inhibitor. USDA tests showed this chemical on almost 90% of samples.

Is there a difference between russet and other potatoes on the list?

The EWG's listing is for all conventional potatoes, not just russets. The testing data and chemical concerns apply broadly to all conventionally grown potato varieties.

Does washing potatoes remove all the pesticides?

No, washing potatoes, even thoroughly, does not remove all pesticide residues. This is because some chemicals, like the post-harvest sprout inhibitor, can be absorbed by the potato itself.

Is peeling potatoes enough to remove the pesticides?

Peeling conventional potatoes can remove a significant portion of the pesticide residue concentrated on the skin. However, some residue may still remain, so it's not a complete solution.

Which potatoes are on the Clean Fifteen list?

No potato varieties are on the Clean Fifteen list. Sweet potatoes, a different vegetable, were on the 2024 Clean Fifteen list but did not make the 2025 list.

Is it safe to eat non-organic russet potatoes?

The EWG's list is a guide to help you minimize pesticide exposure. While eating conventional potatoes is not typically an immediate health hazard, the EWG recommends buying organic for Dirty Dozen items if you want to reduce long-term exposure to these chemicals.

How often is the Dirty Dozen list updated?

The Environmental Working Group updates and publishes the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists annually, using the most recent data from the USDA and FDA.