EWG”s 2019 Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce
Did you know that 70% of the fresh fruits and vegetables you eat in the U.S. comes with pesticide residues, according to the EWG’s analysis of test data from the Department of Agriculture for our 2019 Shopper’s Guide.
The EWG or Environmental Working group empowers individuals to live healthier lives in a healthier environment.
One of the most contaminated commercial fruits and vegetables according to the USDA is the favorite food kale amongst health advocates. One half of samples of kale tested were contaminated with cancer causing chemicals. The USDA had not tested commercial kale crops for over a decade.
“Overall the USDA found 225 different pesticides and pesticide breakdown products on popular fruits and vegetables Americans eat every day.”
Pesticide regulations, monitoring and enforcement is scattered across many federal and state agencies and quite lenient in the U.S.
“The USDA states that a goal of its tests is to provide data on pesticide residues in food, with a focus on those most likely consumed by infants and children.’ Baby foods and other commodities are not tested annually. Baby food (last tested in2013), oats (last tested in 2014), and baby formula (last tested in 2014).
To avoid pesticide residues eat organic!
EWG’s Dirty Dozen for 2019
1-Strawberries, 2-Spinach, 3-Kale, 4-Nectarines, 5-Apples, 6- Grapes, 7-Peaches-, 8- Cherries, 9-Pears, 10-Tomatoes, 11- Celery, 12-Potatoes
EWG’s Clean 15for 2019
1-Avacados, 2-Sweet Corn, 3-Pineapples, 4-Frozen Sweet Peas, 5- Onions, 6- Papayas, 7- Eggplants, 8- Asparagus, 9- Kiwis, 10- Cabbages, 11- Cauliflower, 12- Cantaloupes, 13- Broccoli, 14- Mushrooms, 15- Honeydew Melon
Health benefits of Diets low in pesticide residues published in December in JAMA Internal Medicine stated that 25 percent of nearly 69,000 participants documented in a study consuming the highest consumption of organic food had fewer cancers.
This information was taken from an updated and adapted version of the 2018 Shoppers Guide.