Understanding the Dirty Dozen and Potato's Place
For over two decades, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit health advocacy organization, has released its annual "Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce." This guide includes the "Dirty Dozen," a list of 12 non-organic fruits and vegetables found to have the highest levels of pesticide residues, and the "Clean Fifteen," which have the lowest. For 2025, potatoes have rejoined the Dirty Dozen, a notable addition considering their status as a staple food in many diets.
The EWG's methodology involves analyzing data from pesticide residue tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). While the USDA data often shows that residue levels are well within the safety margins set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the EWG focuses on the frequency and concentration of multiple pesticides detected, claiming a higher overall risk. Critics, however, argue that this approach can be misleading and may unnecessarily alarm consumers, potentially leading to reduced fruit and vegetable consumption.
Why Did Potatoes Make the 2025 List?
The primary reason for potatoes' inclusion on the 2025 Dirty Dozen list was the detection of a specific chemical: chlorpropham. This post-harvest sprout inhibitor is used on conventional potatoes to prevent them from sprouting while in storage or transit. The EWG highlighted that new USDA data revealed 90% of potato samples tested contained this chemical. This particular pesticide has been banned in the European Union since 2019 due to health concerns for both farmers and consumers, adding to the controversy surrounding its use in the U.S..
Beyond chlorpropham, EWG's analysis also found a wide variety of other pesticides on the potato samples, contributing to their high ranking. This is a key part of the EWG's evaluation process, which measures not just the amount of a single pesticide, but the presence of multiple residues on a single item.
Making Your Produce Choices: Organic vs. Conventional
For many, the annual Dirty Dozen list serves as a guide for deciding which produce to buy organic and which is safe to purchase conventionally grown. The debate surrounding this list, however, is complex. Critics, such as those represented by the Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF), point to peer-reviewed research suggesting that the EWG's methodology lacks scientific rigor and fails to consider actual risk. They emphasize that the health benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables far outweigh the minuscule, if any, risks posed by low-level pesticide residues on conventional produce.
Considerations for Your Shopping Habits:
- Prioritize produce intake: Most health experts agree that the most important thing is to eat more fruits and vegetables, regardless of how they are grown. Avoiding fresh produce because of fear of pesticides could lead to greater health risks associated with inadequate nutrition.
- Evaluate your budget: Organic produce is typically more expensive. For consumers on a tight budget, the Dirty Dozen list can be a tool to prioritize spending on organic versions of the items consumed most frequently, while still enjoying conventional versions of other items.
- Understand preparation methods: Peeling and washing produce, such as potatoes, can significantly reduce any potential pesticide residues present on the skin. Cooking also further reduces residue levels.
The Importance of Washing and Preparation
No matter if your produce is organic or conventional, proper washing is essential for removing dirt and surface bacteria. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends washing all produce, even those that will be peeled. For firm produce like potatoes, scrubbing with a clean vegetable brush under running water is a recommended practice. This simple step can effectively remove external contaminants, providing an extra layer of food safety for your family.
Comparison: Conventional vs. Organic Potatoes
| Feature | Conventional Potatoes | Organic Potatoes |
|---|---|---|
| Pesticide Use | Can be treated with synthetic pesticides, including post-harvest sprout inhibitors like chlorpropham. | Grown without the use of synthetic pesticides. Can still use certain natural pesticides. |
| Pesticide Residue | Typically higher levels of pesticide residues, leading to inclusion on the Dirty Dozen list in 2025. | Significantly lower or undetectable pesticide residues, as regulated by organic standards. |
| Cost | Generally more affordable and widely available in most grocery stores. | Usually more expensive due to higher production costs and stricter regulations. |
| Nutritional Value | Generally comparable to organic potatoes in terms of essential vitamins and minerals. | Generally comparable to conventional potatoes in terms of nutrients. |
| Preparation | Thorough washing and scrubbing are recommended. Peeling can reduce surface residues. | Still requires thorough washing to remove dirt and surface bacteria. |
Conclusion
Yes, the potato is on the Dirty Dozen list for 2025, primarily due to the frequent detection of the post-harvest sprout inhibitor chlorpropham. This information, released by the EWG, has reignited the conversation around pesticide residues and consumer choice. While the debate over the EWG's methodology continues, the inclusion of potatoes on the list serves as a prompt for consumers to be mindful of their produce choices. The ultimate decision to buy organic or conventional remains a personal one, influenced by budget, health priorities, and personal comfort level. Regardless of the choice, simple steps like washing and peeling can significantly mitigate potential exposure to surface residues. For more detailed information on the EWG's findings, you can visit their official 2025 report: EWG 2025 Dirty Dozen.
