The EWG's Annual 'Dirty Dozen' List
Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its "Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce," which includes the infamous "Dirty Dozen" list of conventionally grown fruits and vegetables with the most pesticide residues. This list is compiled from data collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While all produce in the guide, including organic options, is tested for pesticides, the Dirty Dozen focuses on non-organic items with the highest contamination levels.
The 2025 Contenders for Highest Pesticide Content
Based on the 2025 list, spinach and strawberries continue to be major concerns for high pesticide residue. Spinach claimed the top spot in 2025, with more pesticide residue by weight than any other produce, while strawberries were a close second. New additions in 2025 included blackberries and potatoes, highlighting that the list can shift as agricultural practices and testing data change.
Here is a list of the Dirty Dozen items found in the 2025 report:
- Spinach: Claimed the highest pesticide residue by weight.
- Strawberries: Historically a consistent top contender, often containing multiple pesticide types.
- Kale, collard greens, and mustard greens: Frequently found with a high number of different pesticide residues.
- Grapes: Consistently on the list, with a high percentage of samples containing multiple residues.
- Peaches: Nearly all tested conventional peach samples have shown detectable pesticide residues.
- Cherries: Often contains multiple types of pesticides, including some banned in Europe.
- Nectarines: Over 90% of samples in past years have contained two or more pesticide residues.
- Pears: Often contains residues from five or more pesticides per sample.
- Apples: A significant percentage of apples often contain traces of multiple pesticides.
- Blackberries: A newcomer to the 2025 list due to concerning pesticide residue levels.
- Blueberries: A high percentage of samples have tested positive for multiple pesticides.
- Potatoes: Included due to pesticide treatments like sprout inhibitors and their ability to absorb systemic pesticides from the soil.
Why Certain Foods Retain More Pesticides
Not all produce is equally vulnerable to pesticide contamination. Several factors contribute to why some foods appear on the Dirty Dozen list year after year while others remain consistently clean. These factors are largely related to farming practices and the physical properties of the produce itself.
- Porous and delicate skin: Fruits like strawberries and blueberries have thin, porous skin that makes it difficult to wash off chemical residues effectively. These crops also grow close to the ground, increasing their exposure to pesticides.
- Frequent spraying: Crops that are susceptible to multiple pests throughout the growing season may be sprayed more frequently, leading to higher levels of residue.
- Systemic pesticides: Certain crops, like potatoes, absorb systemic pesticides from the soil, meaning the chemicals become part of the plant's flesh. This makes washing or peeling ineffective for removing the contamination.
- Post-harvest treatments: Some produce receives pesticide applications even after harvesting to prevent mold and extend shelf life during transport and storage.
Conventional vs. Organic Produce Comparison
The difference in pesticide content between organic and conventionally grown produce is significant. While organic produce is not entirely pesticide-free (due to potential cross-contamination or the use of approved natural pesticides), multiple studies show it has far lower residue levels than conventional alternatives.
| Feature | Conventional Produce | Organic Produce |
|---|---|---|
| Pesticide Residue Level | Significantly higher and more varied. | Significantly lower overall. Some samples may still have minimal residues. |
| Types of Pesticides | Often contains residues from multiple synthetic pesticides, including some banned in other regions. | May contain residues from naturally derived pesticides or trace amounts from cross-contamination. |
| Soil Quality | Higher pesticide residues in the soil can negatively affect beneficial soil organisms. | Farming practices promote healthier soil biodiversity over time. |
| Cost | Generally less expensive to purchase. | Typically more expensive due to certification and production methods. |
| Recommended Action | Best to prioritize buying organic for Dirty Dozen items if possible, or wash and peel thoroughly. | Can be purchased with less concern about high pesticide levels, though still requires washing. |
How to Minimize Pesticide Exposure
For consumers concerned about pesticide intake, several strategies can help reduce exposure, balancing cost and accessibility with health concerns.
- Follow the Dirty Dozen/Clean Fifteen guide: Use the EWG's list to decide which produce is most important to buy organic. For items on the Clean Fifteen list, like avocados and corn, conventionally grown versions are generally lower in pesticides.
- Wash produce thoroughly: Rinse all fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water. The friction from running water is more effective than soaking. The FDA recommends a clean vegetable brush for firm produce like carrots or potatoes. Soaking in a baking soda and water solution for about 15 minutes and then rinsing may also help reduce surface residues.
- Peel and trim: For fruits and vegetables with high pesticide levels, peeling can significantly reduce residue, though it may also remove some nutrients found in the skin. Discarding the outer leaves of leafy greens like cabbage can also help.
- Vary your diet: Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables from different sources reduces your risk of consuming excessive amounts of a single type of pesticide.
- Grow your own: For maximum control over pesticide use, consider growing your own produce. This allows you to completely avoid synthetic chemical applications.
Conclusion
While studies from organizations like the EWG continue to highlight which food had the highest pesticide content, it is crucial to remember that consuming any fruits and vegetables is better than avoiding them entirely. The primary goal is to make informed choices that reduce unnecessary exposure to chemicals without compromising a healthy diet. By using resources like the Dirty Dozen, prioritizing organic purchases for high-risk items, and adopting proper washing techniques, consumers can feel more confident about the safety of their food. The ongoing debate over pesticides should serve as a reminder to support sustainable farming practices and to remain diligent in our food preparation habits for better long-term health.
What are the potential health risks of consuming high-pesticide foods?
High-level, long-term pesticide exposure has been linked to various health issues, including neurodevelopmental disorders, reproductive problems, endocrine disruption, and some forms of cancer. The specific risks vary depending on the type and concentration of the pesticide.
Does washing completely remove all pesticides from food?
Washing removes some surface-level pesticide residues, but it cannot eliminate all of them, especially systemic pesticides that are absorbed into the plant's flesh. Some residues may remain even after thorough washing and peeling.
Is organic food truly free of all pesticides?
No. Organic produce may contain small traces of pesticides due to environmental factors like cross-contamination from nearby conventional farms or through soil, water, and air. However, it is consistently found to have significantly lower levels and fewer types of pesticide residues compared to conventional produce.
What is the difference between the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen?
The Dirty Dozen lists the 12 fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues, making them the best candidates for buying organic. The Clean Fifteen lists the 15 fruits and vegetables with the lowest pesticide residues, suggesting they are safer to buy conventionally grown.
Are pesticide levels in food legally regulated?
Yes, government agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for pesticides in food to ensure safety. Produce with residues exceeding these limits can be removed from sale.
Should I stop eating non-organic fruits and vegetables entirely?
No, public health experts emphasize that the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables, regardless of whether they are organic, far outweigh the potential risks associated with low-level pesticide exposure. The best approach is to wash produce thoroughly and consider buying organic for items on the Dirty Dozen list.
How are the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists created?
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzes data from testing programs run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to compile their annual Shopper's Guide. The USDA prepares samples as consumers would (washing, peeling) before testing.
Is there an alternative to buying organic for reducing pesticide exposure?
Yes. Beyond washing and peeling, some people opt for soaking produce in a diluted baking soda solution before rinsing, which some studies suggest can help break down certain pesticide residues. Varying the produce you eat can also help minimize repeated exposure to the same chemicals.
Is there a specific type of pesticide to be concerned about?
Certain classes of pesticides, such as organophosphates and endocrine disruptors, have been linked to more significant health concerns, particularly with long-term or high-level exposure. For instance, the neurotoxic insecticide acephate has been found in some conventionally grown green beans, even though its use on that crop was banned in 2011.
What should I do if organic options for the Dirty Dozen are too expensive?
If budget is a concern, focus on thorough washing and preparation. For foods like spinach and greens, rinsing each leaf individually is recommended. Peeling produce like apples or pears can reduce some surface-level pesticides, though it may also remove nutrients.
Are frozen fruits and vegetables also tested for pesticides?
Yes, government testing includes both fresh and frozen produce. In some cases, freezing can alter how pesticide residues are distributed on the food, but the contamination is still present and monitored.
What is the Clean Fifteen, and which foods are on it?
The Clean Fifteen is the EWG's list of fruits and vegetables with the lowest pesticide residues, making them safer to buy conventionally. Foods commonly on this list include avocados, sweet corn, pineapple, onions, and papaya.
Do pesticides pose more of a risk to certain populations?
Yes. Children and pregnant women are considered more vulnerable to the effects of pesticide exposure. Organizations like the EWG provide their guide specifically to help these groups make more informed choices.
How does the food get contaminated if the farm is organic?
Organic produce can be contaminated through several avenues: wind carrying spray from nearby conventional farms (drift), contamination in shared processing or transport facilities, or through persistent pesticide residues left in the soil from previous conventional farming.
Why don't farmers just stop using pesticides?
Pesticides play a significant role in modern agriculture by protecting crops from insects, weeds, and fungi, which helps increase crop yield and quality. However, their misuse can cause environmental and health issues. Sustainable farming aims to reduce this dependency over time.
