More than 90% of samples of a dozen fruits and vegetables tested positive for potentially harmful pesticide residues, according to the 2025 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. Dubbed the “Dirty Dozen,” the list is compiled from the latest government testing data on nonorganic produce by the Environmental Working Group, or EWG, a health advocacy organization that has produced the annual report since 2004. Spinach topped the list, with more pesticide residue by weight than any other produce tested, followed by strawberries, kale (along with mustard greens and collards), grapes, peaches, cherries, nectarines, pears, apples, blackberries, blueberries and potatoes. The annual report is not meant to discourage consumers from eating fruits and vegetables, which are key to good health, but instead to provide tools for decisions on whether to buy organic for the fruits or vegetables their families consume the most, said Alexis Temkin, EWG’s vice president of science. “The guide is there to help consumers eat a lot of fruits and vegetables while trying to reduce pesticide exposure,” Temkin said. “One of the things that a lot of peer-reviewed studies have shown over and over again (is) that when people switch to an organic diet from a conventional diet, you can really see measurable levels in the reduction of pesticide levels in the urine.” The Alliance for Food and Farming, which represents organic and conventional produce farmers, has been a long-standing critic of the annual report. “We strongly support consumer choice when shopping for fruits and vegetables. But this choice should not be influenced by this list,” Teresa Thorne, the alliance’s executive director, said in an email. “Instead consumers should be reassured by decades of toxicology studies, government data and nutrition research which underscores the importance of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables on health and the safety of both organic and conventionally grown produce,” Thorne added. New to the list: Blackberries and potatoes Blackberries were new to the list, having never been tested before by the US Department of Agriculture, while potatoes joined the rankings after being absent in recent years — mainly due to the use of a plant growth regulator called chlorpropham. The chemical has been banned in the European Union, Temkin said. “It’s applied after harvest to essentially prevent potatoes from sprouting while they’re in storage or in transit,” Temkin said. “Because it’s applied so late after harvest and so close to when consumers might be exposed or eating potatoes, that’s partially what leads to some of these really high concentrations.” More than 50 different pesticides were detected on each of several crops on the Dirty Dozen section of the Shopper’s Guide, which was updated this year to measure pesticide toxicity, Temkin said. “We still have measurements of the detection frequency of pesticides, how many different pesticides are found on produce, as well as the overall concentration. We also have an indicator of that concentration relative to a dose that might cause harm in an animal study,” she said. “A lot of the Dirty Dozen produce rank really highly when you look at pesticide toxicity, especially relative to the ‘Clean Fifteen’ items, which have fewer detections of pesticide residues,” Temkin added. This year’s ‘Clean Fifteen’ As part of the report, EWG also creates an annual “Clean Fifteen” — a list of conventional produce with the least amount of pesticide residue. Many of these fruits and vegetables are protected by skins you peel before eating — but not all. Pineapple was the least contaminated produce tested, followed by sweet corn (fresh and frozen), avocados, papaya, onions, frozen sweet peas, asparagus, cabbage, watermelon, cauliflower, bananas, mangos, carrots, mushrooms and kiwi. “An important aspect of the USDA pesticide testing is they really try to mimic consumer behavior. … They wash fruits or vegetables for about 15 or 20 seconds under running water, and then they also peel something like citrus or a mango or a banana,” Temkin said. “If there are any pesticides on that outer layer, that is removed, and that might be one of the reasons why some of these fruits or vegetables that are on the Clean Fifteen tend to have less detectable pesticide residues.” How to clean produce More tips: All produce, even organic, should be washed before peeling so dirt and bacteria aren’t transferred from a knife onto the fruit or vegetable, according to the US Food and Drug Administration. After washing, dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Firm produce such as carrots, cucumbers, melons and potatoes can be scrubbed with a clean vegetable brush under running water, the FDA said. All other produce can be gently rubbed while being rinsed. There’s no need to use bleach, soap or a produce wash — fruits and vegetables are porous and can absorb the chemicals. Remove the outermost leaves of cabbage, lettuce and other leafy greens and rinse each leaf carefully — but don’t blast your greens with water, or you’ll bruise them. Experts said it’s best to use low-pressure water that is warmer than your produce and a colander to spin the greens dry. Don’t forget to wash the colander afterward. Exceptions are “triple-washed” bagged greens, which the FDA said do not need an additional wash. Dangers of pesticides Pesticides have been linked in studies to premature births, congenital malformations such as neural tube defects, spontaneous abortions and an increase in genetic damage in humans. Exposure to pesticides has also been associated with lower sperm concentrations, heart disease, cancer and other disorders. Farmworkers who use or are exposed to pesticides are at highest risk, according to studies. A 2022 meta-analysis found workers exposed to pesticides were nearly five times as likely to have DNA damage, while a February 2024 study concluded children exposed at an early age showed poorer neurodevelopment from infancy to adolescence. Children are the most suspectable to the dangers of pesticides due to their small size and developing body and brain, experts say. The risk can actually begin in the womb. “Pesticide exposure during pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of birth defects, low birth weight, and fetal death,” according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. “Exposure in childhood has been linked to attention and learning problems, as well as cancer.”
Spinach, strawberries top new ‘Dirty Dozen’ list of pesticide-laden produce
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"EWG's 2025 Report Identifies Spinach and Strawberries as Top Pesticide-Contaminated Produce"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has released its 2025 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, identifying the 'Dirty Dozen'—a list of fruits and vegetables that have tested positive for high levels of pesticide residues. This year, spinach topped the list, containing the most pesticide residue by weight, followed closely by strawberries, kale, and other produce such as grapes, peaches, and cherries. The report aims to inform consumers about the potential pesticide exposure from nonorganic produce, emphasizing the importance of choosing organic options for commonly consumed items. Alexis Temkin, EWG's vice president of science, highlighted that the guide is designed to help consumers enjoy fruits and vegetables while minimizing pesticide intake. Research shows that switching to an organic diet can significantly lower pesticide levels in urine, demonstrating the potential health benefits of organic produce.
New entries to this year’s Dirty Dozen include blackberries, which had not been previously tested, and potatoes, which returned to the list due to the use of a banned chemical in the European Union that is still permitted in the U.S. The report also features a 'Clean Fifteen' list, showcasing conventional produce with the least pesticide residues, such as pineapples and avocados. The USDA's testing methods, which involve washing and peeling fruits and vegetables, help simulate consumer behavior and assess contamination levels. The EWG report also warns of the health risks associated with pesticide exposure, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and farmworkers. Studies have linked pesticide exposure to various health issues, including birth defects, neurodevelopmental problems, and increased cancer risk. The EWG's findings and recommendations serve as a resource for consumers looking to make informed choices about their produce purchases while emphasizing the continued importance of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the findings of the 2025 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, which identifies certain fruits and vegetables as having high levels of pesticide residues. This information, compiled by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), aims to inform consumers about the potential risks associated with non-organic produce. The focus on spinach and strawberries, among other items, raises questions about food safety and consumer choices regarding organic versus conventional farming practices.
Purpose of the Article
The intention behind this article appears to be raising awareness about pesticide contamination in produce and encouraging consumers to consider organic options. By providing a list of the "Dirty Dozen," the EWG aims to empower shoppers to make informed decisions regarding their food purchases, especially for items they consume frequently. This message is underscored by research linking a switch to organic diets with reduced pesticide levels in urine.
Public Perception
This report could generate concern among consumers about the safety of their food. By emphasizing the high pesticide levels in common fruits and vegetables, the article may instill a sense of urgency for consumers to shift towards organic produce. The framing of the information may lead some to question the safety of conventional farming practices.
Information Omission
While the article presents valid concerns regarding pesticide residues, it may downplay the relative safety of consuming non-organic fruits and vegetables. The criticism from the Alliance for Food and Farming suggests that decades of research support the safety of both organic and conventional produce. This perspective might be underrepresented in the article, potentially skewing public perception.
Manipulative Potential
The article could be considered somewhat manipulative, as it emphasizes the negative aspects of pesticide use without providing a balanced view of the safety of non-organic produce. The language used may evoke fear rather than rational decision-making, leading consumers to make choices based on emotion rather than comprehensive information.
Truthfulness of the Reporting
The findings presented in the article are based on government testing data, which lends a level of credibility to the claims made. However, the interpretation of that data—particularly the emphasis on the "Dirty Dozen"—may selectively highlight risks while downplaying the overall benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables, regardless of their farming method.
Public Sentiment and Community Alignment
The article likely resonates more with health-conscious communities and those concerned about environmental sustainability. It effectively targets individuals who prioritize organic produce and may align with movements advocating for cleaner food sources.
Economic and Political Implications
This article could influence market trends, potentially boosting the organic produce sector as consumers respond to safety concerns. If significant numbers of consumers shift toward organic options, it may impact the pricing and availability of both organic and conventional fruits and vegetables. This shift could also provoke discussions around agricultural policies and regulations regarding pesticide use.
Stock Market Relevance
Investors in the agricultural sector, especially those focusing on organic products or companies, may find this information relevant. Stocks of companies producing organic fruits and vegetables might experience fluctuations based on consumer reactions to such reports.
Global Power Dynamics
While the article primarily addresses consumer health, its implications may extend to global agricultural practices and trade. The ongoing conversation about organic versus conventional farming methods is part of larger discussions about food security and sustainability, which are increasingly relevant in today's geopolitical climate.
Use of AI in Reporting
There is a possibility that AI tools were employed in crafting this report, particularly in analyzing data trends and summarizing findings. Such tools could assist in identifying key points to highlight, although the article's narrative style suggests human oversight in framing the message.
In conclusion, the article offers valuable insights into pesticide residues in produce while also potentially manipulating public perception through selective emphasis on risks. The credibility of the information is supported by scientific data, yet it may lack the balance necessary for a fully informed consumer decision-making process.