If you are trying to decide whether or not to buy organic produce, you might want to familiarize yourself with the Environmental Working Group’s list.
This EWG list will help you determine which fruits and vegetables have the most pesticide residue. You can substantially reduce your pesticide intake by choosing organic for the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables.
The Dirty Dozen has been expanded to include a “Plus” category highlighting two crops—green beans and leafy greens, including kale and collard greens.
The Dirty Dozen Plus – Higher in Pesticides
- Apples
- Celery
- Cucumbers
- Grapes
- Nectarines-Imported
- Peaches
- Potatoes
- Snap Peas
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Sweet Bell Pepper
- Tomatoes
- Hot Peppers*
*May contain pesticide residues of special concern
The Clean Fifteen – Lower in Pesticides
- Asparagus
- Avocados
- Cabbage
- Cantaloupe
- Cauliflower
- Eggplant
- Grapefruit
- Kiwi
- Mangos
- Onions
- Papayas*
- Pineapple
- Sweet Corn*
- Sweet Peas – Frozen
- Sweet Potatoes
* A small amount of sweet corn and papaya sold in the United States is produced from GE (Genetically Engineered) seed stock. Buy organic varieties of these crops if your goal is to avoid GE produce.
Eating more fruits and vegetables will always matter more than eating perfectly.
While guides like the Dirty Dozen can be helpful for making informed choices, they’re meant to support balance—not create stress around food. Buying organic when it feels accessible and practical may help reduce pesticide exposure in certain foods, but conventionally grown produce still offers valuable nourishment and health benefits.
In the end, the goal is simply to fill your meals with more colorful, wholesome foods in a way that feels realistic, sustainable, and supportive for both your health and your everyday life.
For updates or additions to the list of the Dirty Dozen, go to the Environmental Working Group Website at www.ewg.org