Category: Pesticide removal

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), bell peppers and hot peppers are among the produce items with the highest pesticide toxicity, making them a fixture on the "Dirty Dozen" list. The good news is that washing can significantly reduce surface pesticide residues, but it may not eliminate them entirely due to the nature of certain chemicals. This article explores the effectiveness of various washing methods and provides practical steps to clean your bell peppers safely.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), about 70 percent of non-organic fruits and vegetables tested by the USDA contain at least one type of pesticide residue. While washing produce is a crucial step for food safety, the question of whether washing can remove all pesticides requires a more nuanced answer. The simple truth is that no single method is 100% effective, but certain techniques can significantly reduce residue levels.

According to the National Pesticide Information Center, no single washing method is 100% effective for removing all pesticide residues from produce. This is particularly true for systemic herbicides like glyphosate, which are absorbed into the plant's tissues, making simple washing insufficient for complete removal.