EWG Releases 2016 “Dirty Dozen” List Of Pesticide-Laden Produce

Plus the 15 cleanest produce

Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its “Dirty Dozen” list of the fruits and vegetables that rank highest in pesticide residues. This year, strawberries top the list.

For the first time, strawberries outrank apples, which previously headed the list for 5 years running.

For the report, the EWG analyzed test results of more than 35,200 samples of fruits and vegetables taken by the USDA and the FDA. Nearly all of the non-organic strawberry samples – at least 98% – contained detectable levels of pesticides, with 47% having residues of 10 or more pesticides. Some of the strawberries were found to have residues from 17 different pesticides. Veggie Wash Natural Fr... Buy New $2.55 (as of 10:54 UTC - Details)

Some of the chemicals found in the strawberries have been linked to cancer, reproductive and developmental damage, hormone disruption, and neurological problems, according to the EWG.

Sonya Lunder, EWG Senior Analyst, said in a statement obtained by CBS News:

“It is startling to see how heavily strawberries are contaminated with residues of hazardous pesticides, but even more shocking is that these residues don’t violate the weak U.S. laws and regulations on pesticides in food.

The EPA’s levels of residues allowed on produce are too lax to protect Americans’ health. They should be updated to reflect new research that shows even very small doses of toxic chemicals can be harmful, particularly for young children.”

2016’s Dirty Dozen

The full list includes:

  1. Strawberries
  2. Apples
  3. Nectarines
  4. Peaches
  5. Celery
  6. Grapes
  7. Cherries
  8. Spinach
  9. Tomatoes
  10. Sweet bell peppers
  11. Cherry tomatoes
  12. Cucumbers

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