The Environmental Working Group (EWG) recently announced its 2017 Dirty Dozen / Clean Fifteen list of foods. To get your copy of this year’s Shopper’s Guide, click here.
What is this list and why is it important?
The EWG’s Dirty Dozen are the twelve most popular fresh fruits and vegetables found to contain the highest levels of pesticide residues. The Clean Fifteen are the fruits and vegetables found to have the least or lowest concentrations of residues.
Each year, the USDA tests thousands of produce samples. The EWG then analyzes the data to come up with rankings for its Shopper’s Guide. This year, the USDA found a total of 178 different pesticides and pesticide breakdown products on the fruits and vegetables it tested. Even after washing, and in some instances peeling, pesticide residue can linger. This means that when eating non-organic versions of the items on the Dirty Dozen list, you are exposing yourself to higher levels of pesticide residue than is found on other produce.
This year’s Dirty Dozen includes:
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Peaches
- Pears
- Cherries
- Grapes
- Celery
- Tomatoes
- Sweet bell peppers
- Potatoes
Pears and potatoes are new additions to this year’s list bumping out cherry tomatoes and cucumbers from last year. For a complete ranking of the 48 foods tested, follow this link.
Buying organic produce is not always an option because of cost or availability. That’s where the EWG’s Shopper’s Guide comes in handy. It can help you make informed choices when filling your grocery cart with health-promoting fruits and vegetables to limit your exposure to pesticides.
This year’s Clean Fifteen includes:
- Sweet corn
- Avocados
- Pineapple
- Cabbage
- Onions
- Sweet Peas
- Papayas
- Asparagus
- Mangos
- Eggplant
- Honeydew melon
- Kiwi
- Cantaloupe
- Cauliflower
- Grapefruit
I encourage you to keep the Dirty Dozen / Clean Fifteen list at your fingertips, especially when shopping for produce.
For more information about reducing your exposure to pesticides, visit EWG’s FAQ page.
For specific questions about your fruit and vegetable choices, leave a comment below. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Here’s to your health and vitality!
Reference:
https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php
