The research was conducted by the Environmental Working Group on pesticides in produce., and nearly 75% of nonorganic fruits and vegetables sold in the U.S. still have residue from potentially hazardous pesticides. Strawberries, spinach, and other non-organic produce with the most pesticides are now joined by blueberries and green beans. The 12 fruits and vegetables that were found to be the most contaminated with pesticides are listed in the report, “EWG’s 2023 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.”

Organophosphate insecticides, which can harm the human nervous system, were found in troubling concentrations in Green beans and blueberries though the levels have decreased over the past ten years. The toxic pesticide acephate, which the EPA forbade use on green beans grown for food more than ten years ago, was also found in several samples of green beans.

While kale, collard and mustard greens, hot peppers, and bell peppers had the highest pesticide detection rates of any crop. More than 90% of samples of strawberries, apples, cherries, spinach, nectarines, and grapes tested positive for residues of two or more pesticides.

The 15 products with the least amount of pesticide residues are also highlighted in EWG’s analysis. Carrots were added to the clean list this year, and cantaloupe was taken off. The cleanest produce was found to be avocados and sweet corn, with less than 2% of samples revealing any detectable pesticides.

Data from 46,569 samples of 46 fruits and vegetables were used in the EWG analysis. With the exception of pineapple data. The USDA peels, scrubs, and washes produce samples before testing them, whereas the FDA only removes dirt from its samples before testing. The tests still discovered traces of 251 different pesticides even after these measures.

A healthy diet must include fresh produce, but numerous studies have linked pesticides and human health problems, raising concerns for the nation’s most vulnerable citizens. Given the numerous ways pesticides can harm humans, any exposure to them is problematic. However, the findings are especially alarming for kids, who are especially susceptible to many of the health risks linked to pesticide exposure. The NPIC adds that because fruit and vegetables have pores and can absorb some of these products, the FDA does not advise using detergents or soaps.

The EPA, FDA, and USDA have strict regulations regarding pesticide residues. The National Pesticide Information Center states that although some residues may be present at the time of harvest, they typically decrease as pesticides degrade over time (NPIC).

Out of the 46 foods examined by EWG, the 12 fruits and vegetables that were found to be the most pesticide-contaminated are strawberries, kale, collard, mustard, spinach, Apples, Bell peppers, Cherries, Blueberries, Green beans, Peaches, Pears, Nectarines, and Grapes.

Avocados, sweet corn, pineapple, onions, papaya, frozen sweet peas, honeydew melon, kiwi, cabbage, Watermelon, Mangoes, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, and mushrooms contained the fewest amounts of pesticide residues:

Additionally, customers have the option of purchasing organic foods, which are produced without the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides. However organic food still contains some pesticides. Food bearing the USDA organic symbol has largely been produced without the use of pesticides or other artificial substances. With very few exceptions, only organic pesticide ingredients may be used on foods that are certified organic. To reduce the risk of exposure to a single pesticide, the NPIC advises eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. Wash all produce thoroughly before consumption.