Fruits ‘Dirty Dosen’, vegetables contaminated with pesticides

Many of us are constantly on a mission to eat more fruits and vegetables – and for a good reason.

High intake of products is associated with everything, from better heart health, skin and vision, cognitive function, cancer prevention and weight management.

However, when it comes to toxic chemicals, not all products are created equal.

A new report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has appointed and shamed the “Dirty Dosen” -12 conventional manufactured items found that they are contaminated with high pesticide levels, including some banned chemicals in Europe.

Spinach, strawberries and kale once again at the top of the list, which is based on USDA tests of more than 53,000 samples of 47 fruits and vegetables.

Blackberry are a new addition, as the USDA found pesticides including Cypermethrin – which is classified as EPA carcinogen – to over 93% of samples.

The potatoes were again after a short interruption, as 90% of the samples were found to contain Chlorpropham, a chemical that was banned in the EU.

“Applidated applied after harvest to essentially prevent potatoes from germinating while they are in storage or transit,” CNN has told EWG’s deputy science, “Alexis Temkin, Vice President of EWG.

“Because it is applied so late after harvest and so close when consumers can be exposed or eaten potatoes, this is partly what leads to some of these really high concentrations.”

Full 2025 “Dirty Dose” – which is really more like “Filthy Fourteen” – the list includes:

Temkin emphasized that the list aims to help buyers make informed decisions about their products, not discourage people to eat it.

“EWG buyer guide is a tool to inform customers and assist them in their purchasing choices, with the aim of everyone to eat more fruits and vegetables,” Tema said in a press release.

“For people seeking to reduce pesticide exposure, buying from fifteen pure is a great place to start.”

Bananas and cauliflower were added to fifteen pure this year-a list of conventional increased products with the smallest amount of pesticides.

The full list includes:

While washing products is always a good idea, do not rely on it to completely give up your synthetic waste salad.

According to EWG, the production samples were all left and undone before testing, which means that pesticide residues were stubborn enough to survive a rinsing.

Pesticides have been linked to a number of potential health risks, especially in children, bodies and developing brains that are more vulnerable to chemical exposure.

Studies have accompanied chronic exposure, low pesticide levels with increased risks of developmental delays, hormone disruption, behavior issues and certain cancers.

To “detoxify” your fruits and vegetables from harmful chemicals, experts recommend using apple cider vinegar or simply rinse them under warm water without using soap.