"According to U.S. government research, leafy greens like
spinach and popular berries like strawberries and grapes had the highest levels
of potentially harmful pesticide residues, according to the 2026 Buyer's Guide
to Pesticides in Produce.
CNN reports that nectarines, peaches, cherries, apples,
blackberries, pears, potatoes and blueberries topped this year's list of the
most pesticide-contaminated fruits and vegetables, according to a report
published in late March by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
According to the EWG, spinach, ranked first, had more
pesticide residues by weight than any other produce, and on average contained
four or more different types of pesticides. The organization has been
publishing this annual report since 2004.
On average, four or more pesticides were found in samples of
nearly all products tested, with the exception of potatoes, where the average
was two. Experts say the use of products with mixtures of multiple pesticides
is a concern because their effects can accumulate and increase health risks.
In preparing the report, EWG examined the latest pesticide
residue tests conducted by the US Department of Agriculture, covering 54,344
samples from 47 types of fruits and vegetables. Before each sample is tested,
the fruit or vegetable is peeled or peeled and thoroughly washed to replicate
consumer behavior at home. Even with these steps, tests found 264 traces of
pesticides — 203 of which were found in Dirty Dozen products.
Health effects of pesticides
Previous research suggests that pesticides may be linked to
premature births, birth defects (such as neural tube defects), miscarriages,
and an increased risk of genetic damage in humans. Pesticide exposure has also
been linked to lower sperm count, heart disease, cancer and other disorders.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children
are especially sensitive to pollutants such as pesticides even while still in
the womb. Exposure to pesticides during pregnancy can increase the risk of
birth defects, low birth weight, and stillbirth. Childhood exposure has been
linked to attention and learning problems, as well as cancer.
The Alliance for Food and Farming, which represents both
organic and conventional farmers, has long criticized the annual report.
According to a spokesperson for the organization, previous investigations by
the US Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration have
shown that farmers follow strict laws and regulations when using pesticides to
ensure safe and healthy fruits and vegetables for families. The mere presence
of residues does not mean that the product is unsafe. The Environmental
Protection Agency sets pesticide residue limits that already have high safety
margins to protect infants and children.
Seen possible strong links with Parkinson's disease
A pesticide commonly used in the US food supply may be
linked to Parkinson's disease, new research suggests. A study by the University
of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), published in the journal Springer Nature
Link, shows that exposure to chlorpyrifos may increase the risk of this
neurological disease, reports Fox News.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the
chemical is often used in agricultural products such as soybeans, fruit and nut
trees, broccoli, cauliflower and other row crops.
The study compared 829 people with Parkinson's disease and
824 people without Parkinson's disease over a 45-year period, focusing on where
they lived and proximity to areas where chlorpyrifos was used. A human study
found that long-term exposure to chlorpyrifos was associated with a more than
2.5-fold increased risk of Parkinson's disease.
The researchers pointed out that the link between pesticide
exposure and Parkinson's disease was very strong, and the longer a person was exposed,
the greater the risk. However, the researchers also acknowledged that this
study had some limitations. First, it was observational in nature, so it shows
an association but does not allow direct causality to be proven.
Exposure was assessed based on where participants lived, but
did not take into account diet, indoor exposure, or personal lifestyle factors.
It was also noted that chlorpyrifos may have been used in combination with
other chemicals, making it difficult to accurately assess its specific effects.
"Forever" chemicals in our food
For the first time, the report found that more than 60
percent all "Dirty Dozen" samples contain pesticides, which are also
the so-called "permanent chemicals" - PFAS. The three most commonly
detected pesticides belonged to this group of perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances.
PFAS are "forever" because their molecular bonds
break down very slowly in the environment - it can take years to decades or
even centuries. EWG spokeswoman Bernadette Del Chiaro said PFAS pesticides are
the active ingredient in these products because they are effective at killing
organisms, which is why they are a major concern when it comes to public health
and the environment.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, some
PFAS substances have been linked to cancer, obesity, thyroid disease, elevated
cholesterol, reduced fertility, liver damage, hormone disruption and immune
system damage. Some of them can be harmful even at very low concentrations.
"Unfortunately, there's no way to limit the damage. We
can't just affect the mold or the bugs on the peach and not affect the child
who eats that peach. The fact that we're knowingly spraying 'forever' chemicals
on products sold in stores makes us seriously think," Del Chiaro said.
A spokesman for CropLife America, which represents the
pesticide industry, said the EWG's annual campaign promotes unfounded fear and
mistrust of the food system and the tools farmers use to fight weeds, pests and
diseases. According to him, more than 99 percent the amounts of pesticides in
the tested products do not significantly exceed the safety limits established
by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The cleanest fruits and vegetables
The EWG also compiles an annual list of the Clean Fifteen,
which are non-organic products with the least pesticide residues.
This year, almost 60 percent. no pesticide residues were
detected in samples from this list. The least contaminated were pineapples,
sweet corn and avocados. Next in line are papayas, onions, frozen green peas,
asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, watermelons, mangoes, bananas, carrots,
mushrooms and kiwis.
Experts emphasize that the solution is not to stop eating
fresh fruits and vegetables. They are the basis of a healthy diet, so the most
important thing is to consume as many types as possible.
According to EWG analyst Varun Subramaniam, it's a good idea
to choose more products from the Clean Fifteen and less from the Dirty Twelve,
or buy organic versions of the most contaminated fruits and vegetables.
Studies also show that consuming more organic than
conventionally grown produce can reduce the amount of pesticides in the human
body.
"You can often find organic products in the frozen food
section as well. But if you can't find organic blackberries, for example, any
wash is still better than none," Subramaniamo said.
How to wash correctly
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, all
produce, even organic, should be washed before peeling to prevent dirt and
bacteria from getting off the knife onto the fruit or vegetable. After washing,
they should be dried with a clean towel or paper napkin.
Firmer produce such as carrots, cucumbers, melons and
potatoes can be scrubbed with a clean vegetable brush under running water. For
other products, it is enough to gently rub it when washing. There is no need to
use bleach, soap or special detergents, as fruits and vegetables are porous and
can absorb these chemicals.
Remove the outer leaves of cabbage, lettuce and other leafy
vegetables and wash each leaf thoroughly, but do not wash them with a strong
stream of water to avoid damaging them. Experts also advise using a weak stream
of water, slightly warmer than the product itself, and a strainer (or salad
dryer) to dry the leaves. Don't forget to wash the strainer itself
afterwards."
Prepared by:
https://edition.cnn.com/2026/03/24/health/2026-dirty-dozen-pesticide-produce-wellness
https://www.foxnews.com/health/parkinsons-risk-increases-exposure-common-chemical-study-suggests
https://www.delfi.lt/projektai/gyvensiu-100-metu/isvardijo-11-vaisiu-ir-darzoviu-kuriuose-tyrejai-aptiko-daugiausia-pesticidu-kuo-tai-pavojinga-120229775
