The EWG’s 2025 Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen:  What You Need to Know About Pesticides in Produce

 

 

Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, which includes two key lists: the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen. These lists highlight which fruits and vegetables are most—and least—likely to be contaminated with pesticide residues when grown conventionally (i.e., not organic).

What Do These Lists Mean?

  • The Dirty Dozen includes the top 12 fruits and vegetables found to have the highest levels of pesticide residues.
  • The Clean Fifteen includes produce with the lowest pesticide levels, even when not grown organically.

 

The EWG’s 2025 report revealed that over 75% of non-organic samples tested positive for at least one pesticide, with some containing residues of multiple chemicals.

 

Image from www.ewg.org/

 

Why It Matters

Let’s get back to basics: what we eat has a direct impact on our health. Reducing exposure to harmful pesticides is one step toward cleaner eating and better well-being.

Here are some practical tips to help minimize your pesticide intake:

  • Prioritize organic: When shopping for items on the Dirty Dozen list, consider choosing organic varieties to reduce chemical exposure.
  • Buy seasonal & local: In-season produce is often fresher, more nutrient-rich, and may be grown with fewer synthetic inputs.
  • Vary your produce: Eating a diverse range of fruits and vegetables from different sources can help limit consistent exposure to any one pesticide.
  • Wash wisely: Soak fruits and vegetables in a solution of 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 2 cups of water for 15 minutes, or use a produce wash.
  • Peel when needed: Peeling can reduce pesticides, but be aware that it may also remove beneficial fiber and nutrients found in the skin.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Understanding what’s in your food is one of the most empowering steps you can take toward a healthier lifestyle. Use these lists as a guide—not to create fear, but to help you make informed decisions at the grocery store.

Remember: any produce is better than no produce. When possible, choose organic and local, wash thoroughly, and enjoy a wide variety of fruits and vegetables every day.

Source: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php

 

The Natural Medicine Center  315 Doris Dr. Lakeland, FL 33813

Leave a Reply