Category: Pesticides

According to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) latest report, pineapple consistently ranks as one of the least contaminated fruits, placing it firmly on the "Clean Fifteen" list. This means pineapple is not part of the Dirty Dozen and is considered a low-pesticide produce item for consumers concerned about chemical residues.

According to the USDA, the term “organic” does not mean "pesticide-free" but rather refers to a production process. This might be surprising to many consumers who assume that organic lemons, and other produce, are completely free of pesticides. Organic farming prohibits most synthetic pesticides but does permit a limited number of naturally derived and some synthetic substances for pest control.

Despite common assumptions, USDA organic foods are not entirely pesticide-free. While the National Organic Program strictly prohibits most synthetic pesticides, it does permit a specific list of approved natural and some synthetic substances for pest control. This distinction is often a source of confusion for consumers seeking the purest food options.

According to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 2025 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce, both bell peppers and hot peppers are prominently featured on the Dirty Dozen list due to a high load of pesticide residues and toxicity. This consistent placement makes many consumers question their purchasing and preparation habits for this popular vegetable.

In the early 2000s, USDA data showed that nearly 70% of sampled cranberries contained residues from a cocktail of up to 13 different pesticides. Are cranberries heavily sprayed with pesticides today, and should consumers prioritize organic options for food safety?

According to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 2025 'Dirty Dozen' report, conventionally grown strawberries rank among the most contaminated fruits with multiple pesticide residues. For consumers concerned about which fruit has the most pesticides on it, understanding the EWG's annual list is crucial for making informed shopping decisions. This guide breaks down the findings and offers practical advice for minimizing exposure to these agricultural chemicals.

According to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 2025 Dirty Dozen list, conventional strawberries are among the most contaminated fruits, leading many to question if organic strawberries have pesticides on them. The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, as organic farming allows for the use of certain naturally derived pesticides, though at significantly lower levels than conventional methods.

While many assume the term 'organic' means 'pesticide-free', the reality is more nuanced. The question, do organic blueberries have pesticides, is best answered by understanding the specific regulations governing organic farming and the types of substances permitted for use.

According to a 2017 study published in the journal *Science*, researchers found that 75% of honey samples collected from around the world contained at least one type of neonicotinoid pesticide. This finding highlighted the widespread presence of pesticides in the global honey supply and raised significant questions about food safety and pollinator health. But is honey contaminated with pesticides at levels that pose a risk to human health?

According to the Environmental Working Group, over 95% of conventional oat-based products tested in 2018 contained detectable levels of glyphosate. The list of foods sprayed with glyphosate extends well beyond oats, encompassing many staple crops and processed products. This widespread use of the herbicide, particularly for pre-harvest desiccation, leads to persistent residue in our food supply.