A shopper's guide to pesticides in conventional
produce
The twelve most contaminated fruits and vegetables consistently contain the most residues of the most toxic pesticides, and include such popular foods as peaches, strawberries, celery, green beans and apples. Obviously, none of these foods is so contaminated with pesticides that it should never be eaten. On the other hand, people can substantially reduce exposure to pesticides in food without losing any of the nutritional or health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, by minimizing consumption of the twelve most contaminated crops. Eating organic foods avoids most toxic pesticides altogether.
| Rank | Crop | Score (200 = Most Toxic) |
| 1 | Strawberries | 189 |
| 2 | Bell Peppers (tie) | 155 |
| 2 | Spinach (tie) | 155 |
| 4 | Cherries (USA) | 154 |
| 5 | Peaches | 150 |
| 6 | Cantaloupe (Mexico) | 142 |
| 7 | Celery | 129 |
| 8 | Apples | 124 |
| 9 | Apricots | 123 |
| 10 | Green Beans | 122 |
| 11 | Grapes (Chile) | 118 |
| 12 | Cucumbers | 117 |
For more detailed information, go to: Environmental
Working Group
http://www.ewg.org/pub/home/reports/Shoppers/Chapter2.html
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