Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce

The powerhouse information website, Environmental Working Group(EWG), lists the Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce, on its website. Here is their eye-opening explanation for why all of us should carry this guide (which is downloadable on the website-just click on the link above):

"An EWG simulation of thousands of consumers eating high and low pesticide diets shows that people can lower their pesticide exposure by 90 percent by avoiding the top twelve most contaminated fruits and vegetables and eating the least contaminated instead. Eating the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables will expose a person to nearly 20 pesticides per day, on average. Eating the 12 least contaminated will expose a person to a fraction over 2 pesticides per day. Less dramatic comparisons will produce less dramatic reductions, but without doubt using the Guide provides people with a way to make choices that lower pesticide exposure in the diet."

In a nutshell, here is the list:

12 Most Contaminated. Buy These Organic
• Celery
• Peaches
• Strawberries
• Apples
• Blueberries
• Nectarines
• Bell Peppers
• Spinach
• Cherries
• Kale/Collard Greens
• Potatoes
• Grapes (imported)



12 Least Contaminated
• Onions
• Avocados
• Corn (sweet)
• Pineapples
• Mangos
• Peas (sweet)
• Asparagus
• Kiwi
• Cabbage
• Eggplant
• Cantaloupe
• Watermleon


Because this website does such a spectacular job of detailing specific information on pesticides and produce, as well as answering basic questions, I defer to the link above. I highly recommend you browse the site and download the shopping list.

I also found this list from a back issue of "Taste for Life":

Top 10 Toxic Foods:
1. Butter
2. Salmon
3. Spinach
4. Strawberries
5. Cream Cheese
6. Raisins
7. Apples
8. Pickling Cucumbers
9. Summer Squash
10.Green Peppers