Annual ‘Dirty Dozen’ List of Pesticides on Fruits and Veggies
No parent would intentionally feed poison to their children, ever, but it is kind of shocking to find out how many pesticides are actually used on foods we eat every single day. Yes, every single day.
Every year the Environmental Working Group comes out with their "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean 15" list, which tells us which produce has the most or least amount of pesticides. Their website states that the non-profit organization "is an American activist group that specializes in research and advocacy in the areas of agricultural subsidies, toxic chemicals, drinking water pollutants, and corporate accountability." Good to know that someone is looking out for us.
The list is compiled by analyzing random samplings across the nation throughout the year for elevated levels of pesticides, and the information is used for both lists. The produce with elevated levels compiles the "Dirty Dozen" and those without the elevation make the "Clean 15" list. Check out the 2021 list below, and for more information on our environment, and how to protect it, see the updates from the Environmental Working Group.
DIRTY DOZEN list for 2021:
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale, Collard, and Mustard Greens
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Pears
- Bell Peppers, Hot Peppers
- Celery
- Tomatoes
CLEAN 15 list for 2021:
- Avocados
- Sweet Corn
- Pineapple
- Onions
- Papaya
- Sweet Peas (frozen)
- Eggplant
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Kiwi
- Cauliflower
- Mushrooms
- Honeydew Melon
- Cantalope
Don't Ever Put These Foods in the Crock Pot