Fruits and Vegetables with the Most and Least Pesticides – Health Implications

Representatives from the US Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration have published a list of fruits and vegetables with the highest and lowest levels of pesticides.

For 2024, EWG researchers analyzed test data from 47,510 samples of 46 non-organic fruits and vegetables. Analysis of this data revealed traces of 254 pesticides, with 209 of these chemicals found in the “dirty dozen” products.

“Dirty Dozen” 2024

• Strawberry
• Spinach
• Cabbage, chard (σέσκουλα)
• Grape
• Peaches
• Pears
• Nectarines
• Apples
• Peppers, hot peppers
• Cherry
• Blueberry
• Green bean.

Effect of pesticides on human health

Pesticides have been linked to premature births, birth defects, miscarriages and increased genetic damage in humans. Exposure to pesticides has also been linked to decreased sperm count, cardiovascular disease, cancer and other disorders. Research shows that people who use or are exposed to pesticides are at greatest risk.

A 2022 meta-analysis found that workers exposed to pesticides are nearly five times more likely to develop DNA damageand a study published in February found that children exposed to these substances at a young age have neurodevelopmental problems from infancy to puberty.

Avocado, corn, pineapple, onion and papaya are included in list of “clean fifteen” fruits and vegetables that contain least amount traces of pesticides. According to a report released this week, almost 65% of fruits and vegetables in this group did not contain detectable pesticide residues.

• Avocado
• Corn
• A pineapple
• Onion
• Papaya
• Peas (frozen)
• Asparagus
• Melon
• Kiwi
• Cabbage.

Studies have shown that the levels of pesticides in the urine of adults and children can be reduced by 95% after switching to an “organic diet” (clean vegetables and fruits).

High level of fungicides

EWG analysts examined reported levels for the first time fungicides – forms of pesticides used to kill fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew. “Four of the five most commonly found pesticides on the Dirty Dozen list were fungicides that were found in particularly high concentrations,” the researcher said. “Fungicides are often applied after harvest to protect produce from mold. This is probably why the concentrations in some samples were so high – higher than other pesticides used earlier during the growing season,” the expert explained.

How to Reduce Pesticides on Fruits and Vegetables

According to the National Pesticide Information Center, peeling fruits and vegetables before eating reduces pesticide levels, but no method is 100% effective at removing all residues. The agency recommends washing and peeling fruits and vegetables and drying them with a cloth or paper towel.

The Food and Drug Administration does not recommend using soap, detergent, or a brush to cleanse because it has not been shown to be more effective.

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