What Does the Term Clean 15 Refer to Quizlet?

November 17, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization that releases annual lists, the term clean 15 refers to the fruits and vegetables found to have the lowest pesticide residue levels when conventionally grown. This concept is often explained on educational platforms like Quizlet to help students and consumers understand healthier shopping choices.

Quick Summary

The Clean 15 is an annual list identifying fruits and vegetables with the lowest pesticide residue. It serves as a guide for consumers balancing budget and desire to reduce pesticide exposure. It is often taught on platforms like Quizlet.

Key Points

Definition: The Clean 15 is a list of produce with the lowest pesticide residue, published annually by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Purpose: It helps consumers prioritize organic purchases, suggesting which conventional items are generally safer to buy.
Source: The list is based on test data from the USDA and FDA.
Contrast: It is the opposite of the Dirty Dozen, which lists produce with the highest pesticide levels.
Practical Use: Produce on the Clean 15, like avocados and corn, are often protected by thick peels or naturally deter pests, making them lower-risk for pesticide residue.
Important Caveat: Regardless of the list, washing all produce thoroughly is always recommended to remove dirt and surface residues.

Decoding the Clean 15: Understanding the EWG's Annual Guide

The term "Clean 15" frequently appears in educational contexts, including flashcard sets and study materials on platforms like Quizlet. It is defined as a list of fifteen fruits and vegetables published each year by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The items on this list have undergone testing and were found to contain the lowest levels of pesticide residue compared to other conventionally grown produce. While consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is beneficial regardless of how they are grown, the Clean 15 list serves as a practical guide for shoppers who want to reduce pesticide exposure while managing a budget. The data used to create this list comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration.

The Method Behind the Lists

The EWG develops the Clean 15 and its counterpart, the Dirty Dozen, by analyzing extensive test data from produce samples. These samples are prepared as they would be for eating, including washing and peeling when appropriate. The EWG evaluates each produce item based on several factors related to pesticide presence, such as the percentage of samples with detectable pesticides and the total number of different pesticides found. This analytical approach helps the EWG provide a ranking that is often simplified for educational use on platforms like Quizlet.

The Clean 15 vs. The Dirty Dozen

Understanding the Clean 15 is enhanced by comparing it to the Dirty Dozen. The Dirty Dozen is a list of twelve fruits and vegetables identified as having the highest levels of pesticide residue, making them prime candidates for purchasing organic. In contrast, the Clean 15 lists produce with the lowest residue, which are considered safer options to buy conventionally. A key factor for items on the Clean 15, like avocados, is that their physical characteristics, such as thick skin, offer more protection against pesticide absorption than produce with thin, edible skins, such as strawberries (often found on the Dirty Dozen). This distinction helps consumers make strategic decisions about their grocery purchases.

The Clean 15 List and Its Significance

The items included in the Clean 15 list can change annually based on the most recent testing data. Consumers can find the current list published by the EWG. This list is a valuable resource for consumers, especially those on a budget, providing guidance on which conventional items to choose to potentially reduce pesticide exposure. For students and educators using platforms like Quizlet, these lists offer a practical way to learn about food safety and health in a real-world context.

Comparison Table: Clean 15 vs. Dirty Dozen


Feature	Clean 15	Dirty Dozen
Pesticide Residue	Consistently the lowest levels found in USDA testing.	Consistently the highest levels found in USDA testing.
Farming Type	Considered safer to purchase conventionally grown.	Best to purchase organic to minimize pesticide exposure.
Produce Characteristics	Often have thick, non-edible peels or natural insect resistance.	Often have thin or soft, edible skins, making them more absorbent.
Consumer Strategy	A good option for saving money on your grocery budget.	Prioritize buying organic versions if budget allows.

Practical Application and Important Considerations

The Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen lists are intended as guides to help consumers make informed choices. It's important to prioritize eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, as the health benefits outweigh potential risks associated with pesticide residue. Always wash all produce, whether organic or conventional, to remove dirt and surface residues. Be aware that some items commonly found on the Clean 15, like sweet corn and papaya, may be genetically modified (GMO), so choosing organic is necessary if avoiding GMOs is a priority. For the most current list and detailed information, the official EWG website is the best source.

Conclusion

To summarize, the term clean 15 refers to the annual list from the Environmental Working Group highlighting produce with the lowest pesticide residue levels. Educational resources like Quizlet often explain that these items are considered safer to purchase conventionally if organic options are not available or affordable. By understanding the distinction between the Clean 15 and the Dirty Dozen, consumers can make more knowledgeable decisions about their produce purchases, balancing health considerations with budgetary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Clean 15 lists the fifteen fruits and vegetables with the lowest pesticide residues, while the Dirty Dozen lists the twelve with the highest.

The lists are created and published annually by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization.

No, it means the food has the lowest levels of pesticide residue compared to others. It is not necessarily pesticide-free.

Yes, all produce, whether organic or conventional, should be washed thoroughly to remove dirt and bacteria.

Yes, the EWG updates the list annually based on the most recent pesticide testing data from the USDA and FDA.

According to the EWG's guidance, yes. It's a budget-friendly strategy to reduce overall pesticide exposure while still eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Some items on the Clean 15, such as sweet corn and papaya, have GMO varieties. To avoid GMOs, you should still choose organic versions of these specific items.