EWG’s 2011 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce

EWG analyzed pesticide residue testing data from the US Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration to come up with rankings for these popular fresh produce items.

Lower numbers = more pesticides.

1
Apples
Apples

2
Celery
Celery

3
Strawberries
Strawberries

4
Peaches
Peaches

5
Spinach
Spinach

6
Nectarines
Nectarines – imported

7
Grapes
Grapes – imported

8
Redpepper
Sweet bell peppers

9
Potatoe
Potatoes

10
Blueberries
Blueberries – domestic

11
Lettuce
Lettuce

12
Kale
Kale/collard greens

13
Cilantro
Cilantro

14
Cucumbers
Cucumbers

15
Grapes
Grapes – domestic

16
Cherries
Cherries

17
Pear
Pears

18
Nectarines
Nectarines – domestic

19
Hot Pepper
Hot peppers

20
Green Beans
Green beans – domestic

21
Carrots
Carrots

22
Plum
Plums – imported

23
Blueberries
Blueberries – imported

24
Rasberries
Raspberries

25
Green Beans
Green beans – imported

26
Summer Squash
Summer squash

27
Oranges
Oranges

28
Broccoli
Broccoli

29
Green Onions
Green onions

30
Bananas
Bananas

31
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe – imported

32
Honeydew
Honeydew melon

33
Cauliflower
Cauliflower

34
Tomatoe
Tomatoes

35
Papaya
Papaya

36
Cranberries
Cranberries

37
Plum
Plums – domestic

38
Winter Squash
Winter squash

39
Mushrooms
Mushrooms

40
Grapefruit
Grapefruit

41
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes

42
Watermelon
Watermelon

43
Cabbage
Cabbage

44
Kiwi
Kiwi

45
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe – domestic

46
Eggplant
Eggplant

47
Mango
Mango

48
Peas
Sweet peas – frozen

49
Asparagus
Asparagus

50
Avocado
Avocado

51
Pineapple
Pineapples

52
Sweet Corn
Sweet Corn

53
Onions
Onions