Each year since 2004, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization, releases its annual Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. This report highlights the fruits and vegetables with the highest and lowest levels of pesticide residues, commonly referred to as the “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen.”
These rankings are based on the latest test data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which analyze thousands of produce samples for pesticide contamination.
The 2024 Dirty Dozen: Most Pesticide-Contaminated Produce
Credit: OpenAI 2025
The 2024 Dirty Dozen list ranks the fruits and vegetables that had the highest pesticide residues:
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale, collard, and mustard greens
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Pears
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Bell and hot peppers
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Green beans
Key findings from the 2024 report:
- Over 95% of the Dirty Dozen samples contained pesticide residues.
- Up to 23 different pesticides were found on a single sample.
- A total of 209 different pesticides were detected across Dirty Dozen produce.
- Leafy greens such as kale, collard, and mustard greens had the highest diversity of pesticide contamination (103 different pesticides).
- Bell and hot peppers followed with 101 pesticides detected.
- Alarmingly, acephate—a toxic insecticide banned from use on green beans in 2011—was still detected in 6% of tested green bean samples.
These findings suggest widespread pesticide use in conventional farming and underscore the importance of consumer awareness.
The 2024 Clean Fifteen: Least Pesticide-Contaminated Produce
The Clean Fifteen list features produce with the lowest levels of pesticide contamination, making them safer choices when shopping for conventionally grown fruits and vegetables:
- Avocados
- Sweet corn
- Pineapple
- Onions
- Papaya
- Sweet peas (frozen)
- Asparagus
- Honeydew melon
- Kiwi
- Cabbage
- Watermelon
- Mushrooms
- Mangoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
Highlights from Clean Fifteen testing:
- 65% of Clean Fifteen samples had no detectable pesticide residues.
- Avocados and sweet corn were the cleanest, with fewer than 2% of samples containing detectable pesticides.
- None of the top six items had more than three pesticides detected.
Many of these fruits and vegetables have protective outer layers, which may help reduce the likelihood of pesticides penetrating the edible portions.
Health Implications of Pesticide Exposure
Pesticides used in conventional agriculture include insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and rodenticides. These chemicals are designed to kill pests, but exposure to residues through food has been associated with several health risks, particularly for children and pregnant women.
Potential health concerns include:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders (such as ADHD and lower IQ)
- Hormone disruption
- Increased risk of certain cancers
- Fertility issues
- Respiratory conditions
Studies have shown that pesticide exposure may also be linked to chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and endocrine-related problems.
Recommendations for Reducing Pesticide Exposure
While it may not always be feasible to buy organic, consumers can reduce pesticide exposure through the following steps:
- Prioritize organic options for Dirty Dozen items.
- Wash all produce under running water for at least 30 seconds—even if labeled “pre-washed.”
- Peel skins of fruits and vegetables when appropriate.
- Use a vegetable brush on items with firm surfaces.
- Diversify your diet to avoid overexposure to pesticides from a single food source.
The EWG also recommends downloading their Healthy Living App for easy access to the annual lists and additional food safety tips.
Understanding the Methodology
To compile the annual guide, the EWG reviews over 38,000 samples of produce tested by the USDA and FDA. The testing mimics consumer behavior—produce is washed, peeled, and prepared as it would be in a home setting.
Six factors are used to determine rankings:
- Percentage of samples with detectable pesticides
- Number of pesticides found per sample
- Average amount of pesticides found
- Highest pesticide level recorded
- Frequency of most hazardous pesticides
- Total concentration of all pesticide residues
This rigorous method ensures that the rankings are reflective of real-world exposure.
Final Thoughts
The EWG Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists provide an essential resource for making informed food choices. While eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is critical to good health, understanding which ones are most likely to carry pesticide residues empowers consumers to shop smarter and reduce potential health risks.
For more information, visit the official EWG Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.
