As part of Food Undressed: Holiday Edition, we put together a list of the top nine fruits and vegetables that are safest for consumption. What about those that aren’t?
The Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides, put out by the Environmental Working Group, ranked pesticide contamination for 50 of the most popular fruits and vegetables – meaning they were the most consumed fruits and vegetables, as reported by the USDA.
The group’s findings were based on analysis of more than 89,000 tests – which is a substantial number for a study. These tests were conducted on vegetables that had been rinsed or peeled – exactly how you would prep them at home. The entire study can be viewed at their website,
If you’ve never considered pesticide use when buying produce, looking at this information may actually shock you – and disgust you. I know I felt these emotions the first time I saw the data. I never believed strawberries would be so..dangerous to eat.
Never buy these fruits and vegetables listed below unless they’re organic. Unless you’d prefer to consume 8-13 pesticides per item.
1) ORANGES
If you’re making mulling spices by hand, or baking using orange peel or rind, consider only buying organic oranges.
Number of Samples: 2972
Percent of Samples Tested Positive for Pesticides: 85.1%
Maximum Number of Different Pesticides Found on a Single Sample: 4
Total Number of Different Pesticides Found: 18
2) GREEN BEANS (DOMESTIC)
Green beans and blueberries are the only popular fruit and vegetable that imported is better than grown in the US. If you’re buying fresh green beans, buy them imported.
Number of Samples: 2885
Percent of Samples Tested Positive for Pesticides: 65.6%
Maximum Number of Different Pesticides Found on a Single Sample: 8
Total Number of Different Pesticides Found: 51
3) CELERY
With more than 95% of the samples to be found having pesticide residue, celery is the worst vegetable to eat non-organic.
Number of Samples: 2953
Percent of Samples Tested Positive for Pesticides: 95.0%
Maximum Number of Different Pesticides Found on a Single Sample: 13
Total Number of Different Pesticides Found: 67
4) POTATOES
If mashed potatoes are a must this holiday season, stick to local and organic potatoes. Alternatively, use sweet potatoes instead.
Number of Samples: 2216
Percent of Samples Tested Positive for Pesticides: 84.2%
Maximum Number of Different Pesticides Found on a Single Sample: 11
Total Number of Different Pesticides Found: 63
5) LETTUCE
As many as nine different pesticides have been found on a head of lettuce. Substitute cabbage or find organic lettuce instead.
Number of Samples: 2780
Percent of Samples Tested Positive for Pesticides: 68.2%
Maximum Number of Different Pesticides Found on a Single Sample: 9
Total Number of Different Pesticides Found: 54
6) CARROTS
From Candied Carrots to Beef Stew, carrots are a holiday mainstay and popular vegetable choice. Organic carrots can usually be found at a similar price point to non-organic, so choose organic to avoid the up to 45 different pesticides used.
Number of Samples: 2965
Percent of Samples Tested Positive for Pesticides: 81.5%
Maximum Number of Different Pesticides Found on a Single Sample: 8
Total Number of Different Pesticides Found: 45
Other fruits and vegetables that should always be bought organically:
7) PEACHES
Number of Samples: 2889
Percent of Samples Tested Positive for Pesticides: 96.2%
Maximum Number of Different Pesticides Found on a Single Sample: 9
Total Number of Different Pesticides Found: 67
8 ) STRAWBERRIES
Number of Samples: 2727
Percent of Samples Tested Positive for Pesticides: 92.8%
Maximum Number of Different Pesticides Found on a Single Sample: 13
Total Number of Different Pesticides Found: 53
9) APPLES
Number of Samples: 2963
Percent of Samples Tested Positive for Pesticides: 93.6%
Maximum Number of Different Pesticides Found on a Single Sample: 9
Total Number of Different Pesticides Found: 9
10) NECTARINES
Number of Samples: 1943
Percent of Samples Tested Positive for Pesticides: 95.1%
Maximum Number of Different Pesticides Found on a Single Sample: 7
Total Number of Different Pesticides Found: 40
11) CHERRIES
Number of Samples: 980
Percent of Samples Tested Positive for Pesticides: 90.6%
Maximum Number of Different Pesticides Found on a Single Sample: 8
Total Number of Different Pesticides Found: 43
12) SPINACH
Number of Samples: 1846
Percent of Samples Tested Positive for Pesticides: 76.4%
Maximum Number of Different Pesticides Found on a Single Sample: 9
Total Number of Different Pesticides Found: 46
13) KALE/ COLLARD GREENS
Number of Samples: 1181
Percent of Samples Tested Positive for Pesticides: 76.4%
Maximum Number of Different Pesticides Found on a Single Sample: 10
Total Number of Different Pesticides Found: 57
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This article is part of ConsumerBell’s Food Undressed week, detailing healthy, socially, and environmentally-responsible eating habits and food safety.
