Do Tangerines Have Pesticides? What You Need to Know

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

According to reports by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and other studies, a high percentage of conventionally grown citrus fruits, including tangerines, contain multiple pesticide residues. This raises concerns about the chemicals present on and within these popular fruits and prompts an important question: do tangerines have pesticides, and what can consumers do about it?

Quick Summary

Conventional tangerines frequently contain pesticide residues, including post-harvest fungicides that can permeate the peel into the fruit's flesh. Choosing organic alternatives and using proper washing methods are effective ways to minimize exposure.

Key Points

Conventional Tangerines Have Pesticides: Most non-organic tangerines are treated with multiple synthetic pesticides and fungicides during growth and post-harvest for preservation.
Post-Harvest Fungicides Can Penetrate: Fungicides like imazalil and thiabendazole, commonly sprayed after harvest, can seep through the tangerine peel into the edible flesh.
Not Just on the Peel: Even after peeling, residue can remain on the fruit flesh, transferring from your hands or permeating the rind.
Organic is the Safest Bet: Choosing organic tangerines is the most effective way to avoid synthetic pesticide residues altogether, as certified organic methods prohibit their use.
Washing Helps, but Isn't Perfect: Soaking conventional tangerines in a baking soda or saltwater solution can reduce surface pesticides, but it won't remove systemic ones that have been absorbed by the plant.
Wash Before Peeling: Always wash conventional tangerines thoroughly before peeling to avoid transferring pesticides from the peel to the edible fruit.

Understanding Pesticides on Conventional Tangerines

Yes, conventional tangerines almost always have pesticides. The use of pesticides on citrus fruits is a standard practice in conventional farming to protect crops from insects and diseases during cultivation and to prevent mold and decay after harvesting. The issue for consumers is not just the presence of pesticides, but the type and concentration of the chemicals used, some of which are applied specifically for transport and storage.

A notable finding from independent testing commissioned by the EWG in 2020 revealed high levels of fungicides like imazalil and thiabendazole on citrus fruits. A particularly alarming discovery was that these fungicides were found not just on the peel, but also in the flesh of the fruit after peeling, indicating they can penetrate beyond the outer layer.

The “Dirty Dozen” Connection

While tangerines may not appear on the official EWG's annual Dirty Dozen list of produce with the most pesticide residues, related lists from organizations like Pesticide Action Network (PAN) UK and special EWG investigations place soft citrus firmly on the list of concern. The rationale is that even when peeled, the fungicides can persist. Furthermore, people often use the zest of tangerines, which concentrates these chemical residues.

Common Tangerine Pesticides

Studies monitoring pesticide residues in citrus, including mandarins and tangerines, have identified a range of chemicals. The most frequently detected include fungicides like imazalil, thiabendazole, and pyrimethanil. Other insecticides and fungicides are also commonly found. The detection of multiple residues on a single fruit is a recurring finding, with some samples containing four or more different active substances.

Minimizing Your Exposure to Pesticides

For those concerned about pesticide residues, there are practical steps you can take to reduce your exposure, even when buying conventionally grown fruit.

Washing Techniques

Simply rinsing tangerines under tap water is not enough to remove all pesticide residues, especially systemic pesticides absorbed by the plant and post-harvest fungicides that can penetrate the peel. More effective methods include:

Baking Soda Soak: Research has shown that soaking produce in a baking soda solution is highly effective at removing surface pesticides. Mix two teaspoons of baking soda per quart of water and soak the fruit for 12-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use a soft brush for a gentle scrub.
Saltwater Soak: A 10% saltwater solution can also help remove some surface residues. Soak for 10-15 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
Vinegar Soak: A solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water can help break down some surface chemicals. Soak for 15-20 minutes, then rinse well.

Remember to wash tangerines thoroughly before peeling. The residue from the peel can transfer to your hands and then to the edible fruit flesh.

The Organic Alternative

Choosing organic tangerines is the most effective way to avoid synthetic pesticides and post-harvest fungicides. Organic farming practices prohibit the use of these chemicals, relying instead on natural methods for pest and disease control. Studies comparing organic and conventional citrus confirm that organic samples have significantly fewer or no detectable pesticide residues.

Conventional vs. Organic Tangerines: A Comparison


Feature	Conventional Tangerines	Organic Tangerines
Pesticide Use	Uses synthetic pesticides and insecticides during cultivation.	No synthetic pesticides used; relies on natural pest control.
Post-Harvest Treatment	Frequently treated with fungicides (e.g., imazalil) for storage.	No post-harvest fungicides used for preservation.
Residue Levels	High likelihood of multiple pesticide residues on and in the fruit.	Very low or non-detectable residue levels.
Peel Safety	Peel can contain and transfer residues; not recommended for zest.	Peel is safer for use, including zesting for recipes.
Systemic Pesticides	Can contain systemic pesticides absorbed into the fruit's flesh.	Does not contain systemic synthetic pesticides.
Cost	Typically more affordable and widely available.	Often higher in price due to different farming methods.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

So, do tangerines have pesticides? Yes, almost all conventional tangerines contain residues, with fungicides posing a particular risk due to their ability to permeate the peel. While federal regulators set maximum residue limits (MRLs), organizations like EWG raise concerns about the potential cumulative effects and higher risks for vulnerable populations, especially children.

For consumers, reducing exposure is a priority. For those who can, choosing organic tangerines is the safest option. If organic isn't accessible, washing conventional tangerines with a baking soda or saltwater soak can significantly reduce, though not entirely eliminate, surface residues. Always wash the fruit before peeling to prevent cross-contamination. By understanding the risks and taking informed actions, you can make healthier choices for yourself and your family when it comes to enjoying this nutritious fruit. For more information on pesticides in produce, consult resources like the Environmental Working Group's Guide to Pesticides in Produce.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, peeling a tangerine does not remove all pesticides. Studies show that post-harvest fungicides can penetrate the peel and remain in the fruit's flesh. Furthermore, residues on the peel can transfer to your hands and then to the peeled fruit.

Rinsing with plain water is insufficient for removing most pesticide residues from tangerines, particularly those that have penetrated the peel. Soaking in a baking soda or saltwater solution is significantly more effective at removing surface contaminants.

While tangerines aren't always on the primary 'Dirty Dozen' list released by EWG, special investigations have highlighted citrus fruits as containing high levels of persistent fungicides. Organizations like PAN UK specifically include soft citrus on their high-pesticide-residue lists.

Yes, you should be very concerned about pesticides in tangerine zest, especially from conventional fruit. Zesting concentrates the residues found on the peel's surface, making organic zest the safest option for cooking and baking.

Conventional tangerines are often treated with fungicides like imazalil and thiabendazole to prevent mold and decay after harvest. Insecticides are also used during the growing process, and multiple residues are commonly detected.

Yes, buying organic tangerines is the best way to avoid exposure to synthetic pesticides and fungicides. Testing shows that organic citrus has significantly lower or no detectable pesticide residues compared to conventionally grown fruit.

Some pesticides found on tangerines, such as imazalil, are classified as potentially carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting. While residue levels are often within regulatory limits, the potential health effects, especially with cumulative exposure to multiple pesticides, are a concern.