Clean 15 / Dirty Dozen

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When I give my health talks across the country I am asked which foods should be purchased organic and which ones are okay to consume without being labeled organic.  The following list contains the dirty dozen and the clean 15.  According to the PDP, 99.5% of samples tested had residues “well below” the EPA’s established tolerances, and 22% had no detectable pesticide residue.  I always recommend washing your fruits and veggies with an organic spray cleaner from the health food store or use a vinegar and water combination.  I also recommend trying to find fruits and veggies which are in season and look for local farmers or farmers markets to purchase from to help your local economy.  

The group identified the following items on its “Dirty Dozen” list of produce with the most pesticide residue:   

  • Strawberries 
  • Spinach 
  • Nectarines 
  • Apples 
  • Grapes 
  • Peaches 
  • Cherries 
  • Pears 
  • Tomatoes 
  • Celery 
  • Potatoes 
  • Sweet Bell Peppers 

Here are the items the EWG identified for its “Clean 15,” which report the least likelihood to contain pesticide residue. 

  • Avocados 
  • Sweet Corn 
  • Pineapples 
  • Cabbages 
  • Onions 
  • Sweet Peas 
  • Papayas 
  • Asparagus 
  • Mangoes 
  • Eggplants 
  • Honeydews 
  • Kiwis 
  • Cantaloupes 
  • Cauliflower 
  • Broccoli