Are There Pesticides on Oranges? What to Know and How to Clean Them

December 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), nearly 90% of conventionally grown citrus fruits tested contain detectable levels of fungicides, with oranges being particularly susceptible. This reveals that, yes, there are pesticides on oranges, primarily concentrated on the peel. The good news is that for most consumers, these residues can be minimized or avoided with proper washing and conscious purchasing habits.

Quick Summary

This article explores the presence of pesticides on conventional and organic oranges, focusing on common fungicides like imazalil and thiabendazole. It details why residues are mainly found on the orange's peel and evaluates different washing methods for effectiveness. Recommendations for reducing exposure are provided, comparing conventional versus organic fruit and discussing the limitations of home cleaning practices.

Key Points

Pesticides Are Present: Most conventional oranges contain detectable pesticide residues, mainly from post-harvest fungicide treatments to prevent mold during transport and storage.
Residues Are on the Peel: The highest concentration of pesticides is found on the waxy, outer peel of the orange.
Peeling is Effective: Peeling and discarding the skin is the most reliable way to remove the majority of pesticide residues.
Baking Soda is Best for Washing: A soak in a baking soda solution is scientifically proven to be highly effective at removing surface pesticides from produce.
Organic is the Safest Choice: Certified organic oranges are grown without synthetic pesticides and typically have significantly lower residue levels.
Risk Factors Exist: Concerns exist regarding chronic exposure to some residues, particularly for vulnerable populations, warranting informed choices.
Multiple Pesticides Found: Oranges can have multiple pesticide residues, and their combined effect is not fully understood, further supporting caution.

Understanding Pesticides on Conventional Oranges

Many conventional oranges undergo post-harvest treatment with fungicides, such as imazalil and thiabendazole, to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life during storage and transport. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has identified these fungicides as commonly found on conventional citrus fruits. Scientific studies, including one in the journal Food Control, have confirmed the presence of imazalil and thiabendazole in commercially available oranges.

Where are the Pesticides Found?

Pesticide residues are primarily concentrated on the orange's peel due to its waxy surface. While most residue remains on the surface, some pesticides, like imazalil, can slowly migrate into the pulp in smaller amounts. This is particularly relevant if you use orange zest.

The Health Implications of Pesticide Residues

While regulatory bodies set Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides, there are concerns about the potential long-term effects of cumulative exposure, especially for vulnerable groups like children. Some pesticides found on oranges have been associated with health issues in laboratory studies, including potential hormone disruption.

Comparison of Conventional and Organic Oranges

Choosing between conventional and organic oranges involves understanding their differences in pesticide exposure.


Feature	Conventional Oranges	Organic Oranges
Pesticide Use	Treated with synthetic pesticides both pre- and post-harvest.	Prohibited from using synthetic pesticides and fungicides.
Residue Levels	Frequently contain detectable residues, especially imazalil and thiabendazole on the peel.	Significantly lower or non-detectable pesticide residues.
Health Risk	Potential concerns about long-term, low-dose exposure.	Lower risk due to minimal or no synthetic pesticide residue.
Post-Harvest Treatment	Often treated with synthetic fungicides and waxes.	No synthetic post-harvest treatments.

Organic oranges, grown without synthetic pesticides or fungicides, offer significantly lower residue levels, making them a preferred choice for those concerned about pesticide exposure, especially when using the peel.

How to Reduce Pesticide Residues on Oranges

While organic is the best option for avoiding pesticides, washing can help reduce residues on conventional oranges.

Effective Washing Methods (for Conventional Oranges):

Baking Soda Soak: Research indicates that soaking produce in a baking soda solution is highly effective. A recommended method is a 15-minute soak in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda per 2 cups of water, followed by a thorough rinse.
Hot Water Wash: Washing with hot water and a vegetable brush can help remove waxy coatings and surface pesticides.
Salt Water Soak: A 10% saltwater solution for 20 minutes has also been shown to reduce residues.
Peeling the Fruit: Since most pesticides are on the peel, peeling effectively removes the majority of residues, though not any that have diffused into the pulp.

Using organic oranges is recommended when using the zest to avoid pesticide contamination.

Are Commercial Produce Washes Worth It?

Commercial produce washes are often no more effective than rinsing with water and may leave residues. The FDA advises against using soaps or commercial washes on fruits and vegetables, recommending natural alternatives like baking soda or water instead.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Conventional oranges typically have pesticide residues, mainly on the peel, with some diffusion into the pulp. Post-harvest fungicides like imazalil are a key concern, with potential health implications, particularly for children. Opting for certified organic oranges is the most reliable way to avoid synthetic pesticides. For conventional oranges, employing effective washing methods like a baking soda soak is crucial for reducing surface residues, especially when consuming the peel. Understanding pesticide presence enables consumers to make choices that align with their health concerns. More information on pesticide monitoring is available from resources like the EWG.

Resources and Further Reading

The Environmental Working Group (EWG): Provides consumer guides and reports on pesticide residues in produce.
ResearchGate: Offers access to various scientific studies, including those on pesticide residues in citrus fruits.
National Institutes of Health (NIH): The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and other NIH resources host research articles on food contamination and health effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all oranges have pesticides. Conventional oranges are typically treated with synthetic pesticides, resulting in detectable residues. Organic oranges are grown without synthetic pesticides and have significantly lower or non-detectable residue levels.

While the levels are regulated and generally considered safe for individual consumption, some residues, like the fungicide imazalil, have raised health concerns with potential links to cancer and hormone disruption based on lab studies. Cumulative exposure is a point of debate among health experts.

The highest concentration of pesticide residues on an orange is found on the outer, waxy peel. Some types of pesticides, like imazalil, can diffuse into the pulp over time, though in much smaller amounts.

A study found that soaking produce in a baking soda solution (1 teaspoon per 2 cups of water) for 15 minutes, followed by a rinse, is highly effective for removing surface pesticides. A hot water scrub or saltwater soak can also help.

Peeling an orange is very effective at removing the majority of pesticide residues, as they are primarily concentrated on the peel. However, peeling will not remove the small amount of residue that may have diffused into the pulp.

Yes, it is safer to eat organic orange peel than conventional orange peel because organic farming prohibits synthetic pesticides and post-harvest fungicide treatments. Be sure to wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt or surface contaminants.

According to the FDA and various studies, commercial produce washes have not been proven to be more effective than a simple rinse with water. Natural alternatives like baking soda are more effective and cost less.