Dirty Dozen: Blackberries & Potatoes Have High Pesticides
- Many conventionally grown fruits and vegetables contain pesticide residue,according to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 2025 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.
- The EWG, a health advocacy group, has analyzed government food safety data for over 20 years to compile the report.
- Spinach and strawberries lead the 2025 Dirty Dozen, followed by kale, collard and mustard greens, grapes, peaches, cherries, nectarines, pears, apples, blackberries, blueberries and potatoes.
Concerned about what’s lurking on your produce? Teh 2025 “Dirty Dozen” list reveals fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residue, with spinach and strawberries topping the list. This year, blackberries and potatoes join the ranks of high-risk produce, sparking greater scrutiny. The Environmental Working Group’s analysis, built on rigorous government data, exposes which items are most heavily treated.For shoppers, understanding the impact of these pesticides is vital. Learn how washing and peeling can reduce your exposure, and discover the “Clean Fifteen”—produce with minimal pesticide presence. News Directory 3 helps you stay informed on these crucial health topics. Discover what’s next in navigating the complex world of food safety.
‘Dirty Dozen’ List Exposes Fruits,Vegetables with most Pesticides
Updated june 15,2025
Many conventionally grown fruits and vegetables contain pesticide residue,according to the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) 2025 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. The annual “Dirty Dozen” list highlights produce with the highest levels of pesticide residue.
The EWG, a health advocacy group, has analyzed government food safety data for over 20 years to compile the report. This year’s analysis found that 96% of samples from the Dirty Dozen contained detectable levels of 203 different pesticides. Most items, excluding cherries, had over 50 types of pesticides each.
Spinach and strawberries lead the 2025 Dirty Dozen, followed by kale, collard and mustard greens, grapes, peaches, cherries, nectarines, pears, apples, blackberries, blueberries and potatoes.
The EWG also ranked produce by pesticide concentration and toxicity, with green beans, spinach, bell peppers, hot peppers, kale, collard and mustard greens topping that list.
dayna de Montagnac, an associate scientist at the Environmental Working Group, recommends opting for organic versions of Dirty Dozen items to reduce pesticide exposure.
‘Clean Fifteen’ Offers Lower-Pesticide Options
The EWG also releases a “Clean Fifteen” list, identifying nonorganic produce with minimal or no detectable pesticides. For 2025, the Clean Fifteen includes pineapple, sweet corn, avocados, papaya, onions, frozen sweet peas, asparagus, cabbage, watermelon, cauliflower, bananas, mangoes, carrots, mushrooms and kiwi. Cauliflower and bananas are new additions,replacing sweet potatoes.
Despite concerns, experts emphasize the importance of consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables, regardless of growing method. Teresa Thorne, executive director of the Alliance for Food and Farming, noted that studies demonstrating the health benefits of produce consumption primarily used conventionally grown items.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture advises adults to consume about 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables daily for a healthy diet.
Minimizing pesticide Exposure
The National Pesticide Information Centre, in collaboration with Oregon State University and the EPA, suggests several ways to minimize pesticide residue:
- Eat a variety of produce.
- Thoroughly wash all produce, even organic items.
- Wash under running water,avoiding soaking.
- Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Scrub firm produce like melons and potatoes.
- Remove outer leaves of leafy vegetables.
- Peel fruits and vegetables when possible.
Dr. claudio light, a professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount sinai, advises buying organic for high-risk produce, washing thoroughly, and peeling when appropriate.
Consider the approach of buying organic for high-risk produce, washing thoroughly, and peeling when appropriate.
What’s next
Consumers can use the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists to make informed choices about produce purchases and prioritize organic options when possible, while continuing to incorporate a wide variety of fruits and vegetables into their diets.