by Leslie Cox; Wednesday, May 7, 2014
The American Environmental Working Group, or EWG for short, released the test results of their 2014 study of pesticide residues on the produce in our supermarkets. You may be surprised at what made their list.
Top 12 Dirtiest Produce…starting with the dirtiest:
- apples
- strawberries
- grapes
- celery
- peaches
- spinach
- sweet bell peppers
- nectarines (imported)
- cucumbers
- cherry tomatoes
- snap peas (imported)
- potatoes
Two extra for the dirtiest list: hot peppers and kale/collard greens.
Of special note:
- EWG found the average potato, by weight, had the most pesticide residual of any other food.
- 99% of the apples tested were found to have residual amounts of at least one pesticide.
Children are most susceptible to exposure to pesticides, according to a 2012 study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, so where are the governing bodies who are supposed to be keeping an eye on the quality of our food? Before it gets to the lunch box and the dinner table.
