What is The “Dirty Dozen” List

What is the dirty dozen?  The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has compiled a list of analyzed food samples with detectable pesticide residues-even after they have been washed or peeled.

Choosing produce and vegetables on the list below that are non-sprayed/organic will reduce overall pesticide contamination according to EWG.   Our FoodWyse series uses this list as part of our Healthy Food Choice Philosophy but takes it even further.   We expanded the list marked by (*) to include papayas, corn, soybeans and alfalfa to the organic list (unless you know the farmer and the seed source) since these foods are predominately genetically modified. 

The most contaminated fruits:

1. apples
2. domestic blueberries
3. grapes
4. imported nectarines
5. peaches
6. strawberries.

*IslandWyse expanded list:

1. papaya *

The most contaminated vegetables:

1. bell peppers
2. celery
3. cucumbers
4. lettuce
5. potatoes
6. spinach
7. leafy greens (kale & collard greens)
8. green beans

*IslandWyse expanded list:

• corn*
• soybeans*
• alfalfa*

EWG has added two crops to the list so its important to download their Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.  check their site here to learn more:

http://www.ewg.org