How Contaminated are Your Fruits + Veggies?

The Environmental Working Group published data for pesticide contamination levels for 44 popular fruits and vegetables based on an analysis of nearly 51,000 tests for pesticides on these foods, conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the FDA. Crops were ranked based on a composite score from level of pesticide residue.

The Dirty Dozen? Peaches, Apples, Sweet Bell Peppers, Celery, Nectarines, Strawberries, Cherries, Lettuce, Imported Grapes, Pears, Spinach, and Potatoes.

The "Cleanest" Produce? Onions, Avocado, Sweet Corn, Pineapples, Mango, Sweet Peas, Asparagus, Kiwi, Bananas, Cabbage, Broccoli, and Eggplant.

So what does this mean? Produce on the top of the list are the most contaminated with pesticides, chemicals intended to kill pests (i.e. insects or weeds). Pesticides are toxic by design, which is why government regulates them-- though many believe not stringently enough.

Even according to the EPA, "Most pesticides create some risk of harm - Pesticides can cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment because they are designed to kill or otherwise adversely affect living organisms."

So how can you make produce safer to consume?

• Buy organic, in-season produce
• Wash your produce. Make your own wash using a diluated solution of mild dishwashing detergent (1 tsp detergent per gallon of water)
• Peel your fruit to remove residues! Especially peaches, pears, and apples
• And if you're lucky enough, grow your own fruits & veggies!