2018 "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean 15" lists released

The 2019 Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists are now available.

The same 12 items, although in a slightly different order from last year, graced the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” in its annual Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce.

The “guide” is based on analysis of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Data Program (PDP) report, which is published annually. The USDA and Environmental Protection Agency work together to identify foods to be tested for pesticides on a rotating basis.

It’s worth noting that according to the PDP, 99.5% of samples tested had residues “well below” the EPA’s established tolerances, and 22% had no detectable pesticide residue. Click here to read a consumer fact sheet about the PDP.

 The group identified the following items on its “Dirty Dozen” list of produce with the most pesticide residue:  

1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Nectarines
4. Apples
5. Grapes
6. Peaches
7. Cherries
8. Pears
9. Tomatoes
10. Celery
11. Potatoes
12. Sweet Bell Peppers

Here are the items the EWG identified for its “Clean 15,” which report the least likelihood to contain pesticide residue.

1. Avocados
2. Sweet Corn
3. Pineapples
4. Cabbages
5. Onions
6. Sweet Peas
7. Papayas
8. Asparagus
9. Mangoes
10. Eggplants
11. Honeydews
12. Kiwis
13. Cantaloupes
14. Cauliflower
15. Broccoli