SHOPPER’S GUIDE TO PESTICIDES

From http://www.FoodNews.org

DIRTY DOZEN                                                                               CLEAN 15

(Buy these organic)                                                                        (Lowest in pesticides)

1.      Peach                                                                                          1.   Onion                                    13.   Broccoli

2.     Apple                                                                                          2.    Avocado                                    14.   Tomato

3.     Bell Pepper                                                          3.   Sweet Corn                                    15.   Sweet Potato

4.     Celery                                                                                          4.   Pineapple

5.     Nectarine                                                                        5.   Mango

6.     Strawberries                                                                        6.   Asparagus

7.     Cherries                                                                        7.   Sweet Peas

8.     Kale                                                                                          8.   Kiwi

9.     Lettuce                                                                                          9.   Cabbage

10.  Grapes (imported)                                                      10.   Eggplant 

11.  Carrots                                                                                          11.   Papaya

12.  Pear                                                                                          12.   Watermelon

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

EWG research has found that people who eat the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables consume an average of 10 pesticides a day.  Those who eat the 15 least contaminated conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables ingest fewer than 2 pesticides daily.  The Guide helps consumers make informed coices to lower their dietary pesticide load.

WILL WASHING AND PEELING HELP?

Nearly all the studies used to create these lists assume that people rinse and peel fresh produce.  Rinsing reduces but does not eliminate pesticides.  Peeling helps, but valuable nutrients often go down the drain with the skin.  The best approach:  eat a varied diet, rinse all produce and buy organic when possible.