Remember hearing as a child at the dinner table, “finish eating your vegetables, they’re good for you” or “have a piece of fruit instead” when you really wanted a cookie as a snack? Why didn’t we ever hear, “eat your toxic chemical contaminated vegetables,” or “have a piece of fruit sprayed by 37 different types of pesticides instead” when you asked for that cookie? Strangely, that cookie is now looking like the healthier choice!

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) compiles a list of fruits and vegetables that contain the highest amounts of pesticides and fungicides to help consumers make informed decisions. This list is compiled annually and the research has found that many of the items on the list contain multiple pesticides, some as high as 60 different types!

Pesticides and fungicides are sprayed on crops and inserted into the soil to protect our food supply from bugs and pests. Unfortunately, water and produce wash won’t rid the produce of this toxic residue. The multiple amounts of pesticides and fungicides penetrate our foods, and as we eat these foods, we also ingest the harmful chemicals.

The easiest way to avoid this toxic residue is to choose organic fruits and vegetables. By avoiding the following “Dirty Dozen” list when buying conventional, you can limit the amount of exposure and reduce the many hazardous health risks posed by these chemicals.

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Strawberries
4. Peaches
5. Spinach
6. Imported nectarines
7. Imported grapes
8. Sweet bell pepper
9. Potatoes
10. Domestic blueberries
11. Lettuce
12. Kale/collard greens

Click Here to download your own shopping guide or mobile phone app directly from the EWG website.