As a human, whether you consider yourself an environmentalist or not, understanding the quality of our food is crucial for making informed decisions. Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases the “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” lists, which highlight the most and least pesticide-contaminated fruits and vegetables. These lists are essential for anyone looking to reduce their pesticide exposure and support sustainable farming practices.
What Are the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen?
The “Dirty Dozen” includes fruits and vegetables found to have the highest levels of pesticide residues. In contrast, the “Clean Fifteen” list highlights those with the lowest levels. These lists are based on rigorous analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. While these lists are primarily based on U.S. data, they provide valuable insights for global consumers due to similarities in agricultural practices worldwide.
This is still important for us here in the Caribbean as 1) Much of our produce is imported from the US or countries that import to the US (and must abide by their laws) and 2) Many traditional farmers here use an extreme amount of toxic pesticides (often illegal in other countries) and often it is difficult to find chemical-free produce. Please take a read through this blog to see the impact of chemicals on humans and the environment.
Before the “big reveal” of the 2024 list, we want to make sure that people understand that its important to eat fruits & veggies—even the ones considered “dirty” on this list.
A study out of the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, found that after seeing pesticide messaging, low-income shoppers were less likely to purchase any fruits or vegetables. It’s important to point out that eating a non-organic strawberry is still by and large a healthier choice than eating, say, a strawberry-flavored gummy bear – or cutting out most produce. Filling your plate with a variety of fresh fruits and veggies will always be a cornerstone of good nutrition.
Consider these lists a resource to help guide your produce purchases. If you only have a certain amount of money to spend on produce, the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 can steer you toward the produce you should prioritize buying organic (pesticide free) from a health perspective (though there are environmental and worker’s rights reasons to buy organic when you can too)
The 2024 Dirty Dozen list includes:
1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale, Collard, and Mustard Greens
4. Peaches
5. Pears
6. Nectarines
7. Apples
8. Grapes
9. Bell and Hot Peppers
10. Cherries
11. Blueberries
12. Green Beans
Strawberries top the list again, reflecting their susceptibility to pests and diseases, necessitating heavy pesticide use. Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, collards, and mustard greens also show significant pesticide residues. Bell and hot peppers, often used in various cuisines globally, contain multiple pesticide residues that may pose health risks.
Pesticide exposure has been linked to various health issues, including hormonal disruptions, developmental delays in children, and increased cancer risk. Therefore, it’s advisable to buy organic (pesticide-free from verified sources) versions of these Dirty Dozen items or thoroughly wash and peel them when organic options are unavailable.
When produce is grown with pesticides these chemicals permeate the soil and often the surrounding water table. They are ingested by the plant in the uptake of nutrient and water, so its impossible to “wash” them off. However, thorough washing will remove some surface chemicals but will not eliminate them.
The 2024 Clean Fifteen list includes:
1. Avocados
2. Sweet Corn (some of the sweet corn in the US is made with GMO seeds, so buy organic or non-GMO sweet corn if you want to avoid GMO)
3. Pineapple
4. Onions
5. Papaya (some of the papaya in the US is made with GMO seeds, so buy organic or non-GMO papaya if you want to avoid GMO)
6. Frozen Sweet Peas
7. Asparagus
8. Honeydew Melon
9. Kiwi
10. Cabbage (this is known to be heavily sprayed with chemicals in many Caribbean islands)
11. Mushrooms
12. Mangoes
13. Sweet Potatoes
14. Watermelon
15. Carrots
Avocados and sweet corn consistently rank as the cleanest produce, largely because their thick skin protects the edible parts from pesticides. Similarly, pineapples, papayas, and mangoes have robust outer layers that minimize pesticide contamination. These fruits and vegetables are generally safer to buy non-organic, which can be a cost-effective choice for families and individuals aiming to reduce their grocery bills without compromising on health
Why These Lists Matter Globally
While the EWG’s data is U.S.-centric, the implications are universal. Pesticide use in agriculture is a global concern, affecting soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. In many countries, pesticide regulations are less stringent than in the US, leading to higher residues on exported produce. In Europe, the pesticide regulations are generally more stringent than in the US
Furthermore, supporting organic (chemical-free pesticide) farming practices not only reduces pesticide exposure but also promotes environmental sustainability. Organic farming methods improve soil health, reduce water pollution, and increase biodiversity, creating a more resilient agricultural system that can better withstand climate change.
Practical Tips for Reducing Pesticide Exposure
1. Buy Organic/Chemical-Free When Possible: Prioritize organic versions of the Dirty Dozen.
2. Wash Thoroughly: Use a baking soda solution to wash fruits and vegetables.
3. Peel Skin: Removing the skin can significantly reduce pesticide residues.
4. Grow Your Own: Home gardening can be a rewarding way to ensure clean produce if you use “clean”products to support the growth of your food and use healthy soil.
5. Support Local Farmers growing chemical free: Supply increases when there is known demand.
Understanding the EWG’s Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists are a crucial step towards making healthier and more sustainable food choices. While the lists are based on U.S. data, the lessons are applicable globally, helping consumers everywhere reduce pesticide exposure and support environmentally-friendly farming practices. As we strive for better health and a healthier planet, these lists serve as valuable guides in our journey.