Latest news with #Dozen
The Hill
a day ago
- Health
- The Hill
2 items added to ‘Dirty Dozen' list of most pesticide-contaminated produce
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) added blackberries and potatoes to its 'Dirty Dozen' list of produce containing the most residue of potentially harmful pesticides. Blackberries and potatoes landed in spots no. 10 and no. 12, respectively, on the updated list released Wednesday. They were added based on new data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which tested blackberries for the first time in 2023. The USDA data found that 93 percent of blackberry samples had pesticide residues, with an average of four different pesticides per sample. More than half of blackberry samples contained residue of the pesticide cypermethrin — which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies as a possible human carcinogen. Potatoes landed on the list after USDA released new data showing 90 percent of samples contained chlorpropham, a chemical banned in the European Union because of health concerns. The legacy produce still topped the 'Dirty Dozen' list. Spinach ranked no. 1, with more pesticide residue by weight than any other type of produce, and strawberries followed as no. 2. 'Kale, Collard, and Mustard Greens' collectively placed no. 3 — and EWG noted that more than half of kale samples were 'tainted' by a 'possibly cancer-causing pesticide.' The 'Dirty Dozen' list ranked grapes as no. 4, peaches as no. 5, cherries as no. 6, nectarines as no. 7, pears as no. 8, apples as no. 9, blackberries as no. 10, blueberries as no. 11 and potatoes as no. 12. The guide analyzed pesticide residue data from USDA tests of more than 53,000 samples of 47 fruits and vegetables, EWG said in a press release. The tests are conducted after the produce samples are washed, scrubbed or peeled, 'as is typical for each types of produce.' EWG said the pesticide residue remained on the produce, but washing fruits and vegetables 'remains an important step to reduce pesticide levels, dirt, and possible bacterial contamination.' EWG encourages consumers to buy organic produce if they do not want to avoid the 'Dirty Dozen' produce items. EWG also publishes a 'Clean Fifteen' list of produce with overall lower levels of toxicity. Pineapples led that list this year, followed by sweet corn (fresh and frozen), avocados, papayas and onion — as the top five produce items. Nos. 6-15 included sweet peas (frozen), asparagus, cabbage, watermelon, cauliflower, bananas, mangoes, carrots, mushrooms, and kiwi. EWG said nearly 60 percent of conventionally grown produce on the Clean Fifteen list had 'no detectable pesticide residues,' while more than 9 in 10 samples of produce on the 'Dirty Dozen' list contained residues of potentially harmful pesticides.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
2025 produce ‘dirty dozen,' ‘clean 15' revealed
Spinach takes top dishonors in the 2025 'Dirty Dozen' list of nonorganic fruits and vegetables with the most pesticide contamination. The "2025 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce" is an annual report by the Environmental Working Group. The group also on Wednesday released its 'Clean 15″ list, noting 60% of those are 'free from harmful pesticides.' Nine in 10 samples on the dirty list contained pesticide residue, the group said. Per the news release, 'The overall toxicity is one of four factors EWG used to assess pesticides on produce. To calculate the overall pesticide toxicity for produce, EWG compared the average concentration of pesticide detected on fruits and vegetables to toxicological reference values – levels below which health harms are not expected." 'The updated methodology reflects important aspects of pesticide exposure for people,' said Dayna de Montagnac, an EWG associate scientist. 'Our research takes into account the potency of each chemical and can help shoppers reduce their overall pesticide burden.' The list has been produced annually for decades, but is not without critics. The Alliance for Food and Farming, which represents organic and conventional produce farmers, sent out a news release noting that the 'dirty dozen list recommendations cannot be substantiated.' 'There is growing concern about the impact of inaccurate safety fears becoming a barrier to increased consumption of produce,' the alliance said. 'One peer-reviewed study found that when low-income consumers were exposed to 'Dirty Dozen" list messaging, they stated they were less likely to purchase any produce — organic or conventional." Alexis Temkin, EWG vice president of science, told CNN the goal is not to get people to skip eating fruits and vegetables, which are important to a nutrient-rich diet. Rather, it's to help families decide whether to buy organic versions of certain fruits or vegetables. 'The guide is there to help consumers eat a lot of fruits and vegetables while trying to reduce pesticide exposure,' Temkin said. 'One of the things that a lot of peer-reviewed studies have shown over and over again (is) that when people switch to an organic diet from a conventional diet, you can really see measurable levels in the reduction of pesticide levels in the urine.' The group said it analyzed 47 items to come up with the 12 it called most contaminated by pesticides. EWG also noted that the analysis didn't include risk assessment, weighting all pesticides equally, nor did it 'factor in the levels deemed acceptable by the EPA.' Spinach Strawberries Kale, collard and mustard greens Grapes Peaches Cherries Nectarines Pears Apples Blackberries Blueberries Potatoes The group said the average American eats about eight pounds of strawberries a year. Blackberries made their debut this year on the dirty dozen, as did potatoes, which are the 'most consumed vegetable in the U.S.' As for No. 1, according to EWG, 'Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable, making it a staple for healthy eating. But it also has more pesticide residues by weight than any other type of produce — three-fourths of non-organic, or conventional samples are contaminated with a neurotoxic insecticide, permethrin, which is banned from use on food crops in Europe." EWG said it used tests conducted by the Department of Agriculture to rank the fruits and vegetables. It notes the most recent tests of spinach, however, were conducted in 2016. Asked if that was correct, an EWG spokesman reiterated for Deseret News the methodology in the report: 'This year's guide incorporates data from a total of more than 53,000 samples of 47 fruits and vegetables. EWG uses USDA data for non-organic samples of fruits and vegetables from the most recent sampling periods, which typically spans one to two years for each item. For example, to analyze residues on spinach, we used 1,295 samples the USDA collected between 2015 and 2016, as that's the most recent data range for that type of produce.' EWG also pointed out that most of the pesticides found on conventional spinach samples were 'sanctioned as legal and safe' by the Environmental Protection Agency, but note that permethrin at high doses creates health risks, including increased chance of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children. The items with the least amount of pesticide in the EWG report were: Pineapples Sweet corn (fresh and frozen) Avocados Papaya Onion Sweet peas (frozen) Asparagus Cabbage Watermelon Cauliflower Bananas Mangoes Carrots Mushrooms Kiwi The alliance reported that 'the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Pesticide Data Program consistently finds that over 99% of foods sampled had residue levels well below EPA safety standards with 40% having no detectable residues at all." Still, public health experts say fresh produce should be cleaned, including the fruits and vegetables that have peels that will not be consumed. Advice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safely consuming produce: Wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after handling fresh produce. Cut away damaged or bruised areas before preparing or eating. Rinse produce BEFORE you peel it. Otherwise, that knife could transfer contamination. Gently rub produce while holding under plain running water. You do not need to use soap. Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub produce such as melons and zucchini. Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel. That can remove even more bacteria. Remove the outermost leaves of cabbage or lettuce, which are potentially exposed to more contamination. The alliance said not to use soaps or detergents, which can create their own issues.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Avoid These 12 Fruits and Vegetables If You're Worried About Pesticides
The EWG's 2025 Shopper's Guide identifies the 'Dirty Dozen' and 'Clean Fifteen' based on USDA tests of over 53,000 fruit and vegetable samples, ranking them by pesticide presence, frequency, concentration, and toxicity. The 'Dirty Dozen' includes produce such as spinach, strawberries, and grapes, with 96% of samples showing pesticide residues—many with over 50 different pesticides detected. The 'Clean Fifteen' features items like pineapple, avocado, and sweet corn, with nearly 60% of samples showing no detectable pesticide residue and very low overall pesticide and vegetables are the MVPs of your diet thanks to their vitamins, minerals, and health-boosting nutrients. However, despite their impressive nutritional profiles, some produce carry high concentrations of pesticide residue that can negate those benefits. Fortunately, the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 2025 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce ranks fruits and vegetables according to their pesticide residue levels, helping you make informed choices about what to buy and eat. Quick primer: Pesticides are substances (or mixtures of substances) used to kill or control pests, including insects, weeds, fungi, and rodents. They are commonly used to protect the agriculture of fruits and vegetables and to repel unwanted organisms that may carry disease. The chemicals are applied when growing produce or after it is harvested, though many pesticides remain on items when they reach your kitchen. Pesticides are used to protect crops, but they can be notably harmful to human health. Research suggests that pesticides may disrupt hormones, affect fertility, reduce ovarian function, and diminish sperm quality. They may also increase the risk of breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Related: A New Study Says Washing Produce Does Not Remove Pesticides — Here's What to Do Instead Given the facts, it is crucial to reduce your exposure to pesticides, says EWG Vice President for Science Alexis Temkin, PhD. 'The EWG's Shopper's Guide is a tool to inform consumers and help them with their produce shopping choices, with the goal of a diet rich in more fruits and vegetables but low in pesticide residue,' she says. To simplify grocery shopping, the EWG created the Clean Fifteen, representing items with the least pesticide residue, and the Dirty Dozen, which represents produce with the highest residue. The guide has been published since 2004, but this year's edition not only examines the number, presence, and amount of pesticides on produce, but also evaluates their toxicity to humans, Temkin says. Here's a closer look at the EWG's Shopper's Guide results, along with tips on how to effectively reduce your risk of pesticide exposure. The EWG Shopper's Guide evaluated data from pesticide residue tests conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on more than 53,000 samples of 47 fruits and vegetables, Temkin says. Prior to testing, all produce samples were washed for 15 to 20 seconds under running water, and inedible peels — such as those on citrus and bananas — were removed, she explains. Related: How Important Is It Really to Wash Your Fruits and Veggies? Even after this preparation, traces of 256 pesticides were still found on all the tested fruits and vegetables. Consequently, the EWG categorizes fruits and vegetables into two groups — Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen — based on pesticide toxicity, as well as their detected frequency and concentrations. According to the EWG's analysis of the USDA data, the following pesticides were found on the 47 fruits and vegetables tested. Fungicides: Fungicides such as pyrimethanil and fludioxonil are specifically designed to control or eliminate fungal diseases. Pyrethroids: Pyrethroids, such as permethrin and cypermethrin, are synthetic pesticides developed to repel pests, including mosquitoes, flies, gnats, spiders, and ants. Neonicotinoids: Neonicotinoids, such as acetamiprid and imidacloprid, are similar to nicotine (a naturally occurring insecticide) and are designed to manage pests and insects, including aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs. Nearly 60% of Clean Fifteen fruits and vegetables showed no detectable pesticide residue, and only 16% of samples contained residues of two or more pesticides. No sample from the top six Clean Fifteen items (pineapple, sweet corn, avocado, papaya, onion, and sweet peas) had residues of more than three pesticides. Bananas, a new member of the Clean Fifteen list, also had one of the lowest overall pesticide toxicity levels among the tested fruits and following 15 types of produce had the lowest pesticide residue levels of all 47 types sampled, according to the EWG's analysis of the most recent USDA data. Pineapple Sweet corn (fresh and frozen) Avocados Papaya Onions Sweet peas (frozen) Asparagus Cabbage Watermelon Cauliflower Bananas Mangoes Carrots Mushrooms Kiwi Pesticides were found on 96% of samples from all 12 types of produce. A total of 203 pesticides were detected on the Dirty Dozen, with samples of every type of produce (except cherries) showing more than 50 pesticides. Every item, except for potatoes, had an average of four or more pesticides detected in individual samples, while potatoes averaged the 47 items tested, the following 12 fruits and vegetables were found to be the most contaminated with pesticides, according to the EWG's analysis of the latest USDA data. Spinach Strawberries Kale, collard, and mustard greens Grapes Peaches Cherries Nectarines Pears Apples Blackberries Blueberries Potatoes ***Bell peppers, hot peppers, and green beans were also included on the Dirty Dozen list due to their overall pesticide toxicity. 'First and foremost, we want to make sure shoppers are getting lots of fruits and vegetables into their diet, whether that is conventionally or organically grown,' Temkin says. To reduce pesticide exposure, Temkin recommends buying either organic or conventional versions of produce (fresh or frozen) from the Clean Fifteen list, as well as organic versions of items on the Dirty Dozen whenever possible. Related: RFK Jr. Wants to 'Make America Healthy Again' — Here's What That Means for You You do not have to avoid eating foods listed in the Dirty Dozen, organic options just have lower pesticide residue, Temkin says. This is because research found organic produce has lower exposure to synthetic pesticides. Furthermore, all produce should be thoroughly washed for at least 15 seconds under running water before consuming. Although water does not eliminate all pesticide residue, Temkin says it significantly decreases the amount of pesticides while also removing dirt, debris, and potentially harmful bacteria. Read the original article on Food & Wine
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Protests heat up across the U.S. ahead of Trump's military parade
Good morning, all. If you've been hearing about Labubus a lot lately and wondering if you need one, here's what to know. Now, on to the news. Subscribe to get this newsletter in your inbox each morning. Protests against ICE raids continued across the U.S. yesterday as a power struggle between the Trump administration and California Gov. Gavin Newsom played out in the courts and in Congress. Here's the latest. In California: A judge rejected Newsom's emergency request to limit the deployment of troops, while L.A. imposed a curfew to restore order. In a speech, Newsom accused President Trump of 'fanning the flames' of the protests and warned that 'other states are next.' [The Hill/Los Angeles Times] Hegseth on the Hill: At a congressional hearing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended Trump's decision to deploy troops to L.A. and said the National Guard would increasingly become a 'critical component' to domestic security. [AP] Trump's parade: A military parade to honor the Army's 250th anniversary is scheduled in Washington, D.C., on Saturday — Trump's birthday. Over 1,500 'No Kings' protests are planned nationwide. Trump said anyone protesting the parade 'will be met with very big force.' [Yahoo News/Time] ⚖️ Sean 'Diddy' Combs's trial Sean Combs's ex 'Jane' returned to the stand yesterday for cross-examination, during which she testified that he's still paying for her $10,000-a-month rent and attorney fees in the trial and that despite the alleged abuse, she still loves him. [Yahoo News] ➡️ Musk's misgivings Tesla CEO Elon Musk said he regrets some of the posts he made about Trump last week when they publicly exchanged insults on social media. 'They went too far,' he said. Earlier this week, Trump said he wished Musk well. [Reuters] 🍓 Pesticides on produce The Environmental Working Group published its 'Dirty Dozen' list of produce with the most pesticide residue. Farm advocates criticized the report, which is meant to help consumers make informed decisions. Here's what to know. [CNN] 🎤 When Miley met Monica Miley Cyrus opened up on Monica Lewinsky's Reclaiming podcast about how she 'lost everything' due to the risqué persona she embraced in 2013. 'I just got hit so hard, and I was so embarrassed,' she said. Watch the interview. [Billboard] 🏈 Aaron's surprise bride New Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers revealed that he got married 'a couple of months ago' after a reporter spotted his ring during a press conference yesterday — though he didn't divulge his wife's identity. [USA Today] ⚾ On the field, after a monster 469-foot home run by Yankees star Aaron Judge yesterday, his team takes on the Royals again at 7:40 p.m. ET on the MLB app. [Yahoo Sports] 🏀 In the NBA Finals, the Pacers hope their 'organized chaos' is enough to overwhelm the Thunder in Game 3, starting at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. The series is tied 1-1. [USA Today] 📺 On the tube, a new season of The Real Housewives of Miami premieres on Bravo at 9 p.m. ET. Don't miss the outrageous trailer. [RealityTea] ⛹️♀️ On the court, the Wings tip off against the Mercury at 10 p.m. ET on WNBA League Pass. [AP] ☀️ And don't forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the crossword. Check the forecast in your area. In 1997, Michael Jordan played in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, aka the flu game, during which he scored 38 points for the Chicago Bulls — all while battling illness. The Bulls went on to beat the Utah Jazz for the title, and the shoes Jordan wore that day went on to become one of the most expensive in the world. [FN] Apple revealed several new iPhone features on Monday that will be released later this year. I asked Yahoo Senior Tech Writer Rick Broida about them. Rick: I'd say it's a toss-up between the name — iOS 26, a big jump from the current iOS 18 — and the new looks: Liquid Glass represents the iPhone's biggest visual overhaul in over a decade. Glossy, translucent icons and more. It's all pretty slick-looking. Rick: Polls! Finally, we can get an easy group consensus about where to have brunch. And you know the typing indicator that appears when someone is answering your message? It's coming to group chats. So are custom backgrounds, so that your brunch chat can have an omelet wallpaper! Rick: Yes, and hallelujah for that! Suspected spam texts will get dumped into an Unknown Senders folder for you to review later. And iOS 26's Call Screening feature will also force unknown callers to answer questions before letting the call through, and let you decide if you want to pick up. Buh-bye, telemarketers. Familiarize yourself: Here are 19 features Apple didn't have time to show off. Brinn Nicole recently surprised her 8-year-old daughter Nalah with tickets to see Beyoncé live — their first concert together. 'Her reaction was worth every penny and so much more,' Nicole said. 'She thanked me countless times.' Watch the adorable moment. [USA Today] Have a great day. See you tomorrow! 💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: The next time you're feeling overwhelmed, try box breathing. It's a simple way to relax, even if you're short on time. [Real Simple] About The Yodel: The Yodel is a morning newsletter from Yahoo News. Start your day with The Yodel to get caught up on weather, national news, politics, entertainment and sports — in four minutes or less. Did you like this morning's newsletter? Subscribe to have it sent to you on weekdays. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.
Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Paul Danan's tragic regret that saw him spiral from Hollyoaks fame to retail job
Paul Danan, who starred as Sol Patrick in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, spoke out about the devastating impact his reality fame had on his acting career after appearing in Love Island Paul Danan made a name for himself after starring in the original Love Island, but it had a knock-on effect on his career. The Hollyoaks star, whose inquest is today, tragically died at the age of 46 on January 15. A statement by his management read: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of @pauldanan at just 46 years old. Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many. "His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him. During this difficult time, we kindly request respect and privacy for Paul's family, friends, and colleagues. No further comments will be made at this time." The actor rose to fame playing Sol Patrick in the Channel 4 soap between 1997 and 2001. As he tried to carve a new identity away from the soap, Paul went on to appear on reality TV shows Celebrity Love Island and Celebrity Big Brother. In 2005, he was an islander alongside the likes of Calum Best and Rebecca Loos. The series was won by Jayne Middlemiss and Fran Cosgrave. But while it did well for some stars, it only set Paul back in acting. While on an episode of the Dozen podcast in November 2024, he reflected on his career choices. Speaking about life after being in the villa, he said: "I've never known fame like it. I've never seen people go so mental. Four years on a soap opera - that was nothing compared to these six weeks [in terms] of the stature of fame." Host Liam Tuffs asked: "So Love Island was the one that skyrocketed you into fame?" Paul, who returned for the second series in 2006, said: "Like ridiculously." He said that it was "mental" that he was on the cover of magazines and said it became "too much," saying that he hadn't ever wanted to be famous. He added: "I just want to be respected as an actor." But he realised that reality TV success was not beneficial for his dreams of acting in Hollywood. He said: "It didn't help with my acting career because suddenly people were like 'Oh, we don't want to hire a reality star!' "Casting directors were a bit snobby like that, they don't people want to see me on a TV show thinking 'Isn't that the guy from Love Island?' It wasn't good for my acting career and it took a long time to get that back. I don't know if it's even fully redeemed even all these years later." According to the star, back in 2005 through to 2007, actors who appeared on reality TV shows were seen in a bad light, instead of remembering their career in films, theatre and soaps. And this led to him seeking out work outside of the industry in order to make ends meet. He even worked at a phone repair shop as well as retail clothing stores. He said: "I worked in a place called I Smashed It, which is where if you if you drop your iPhone or your phone and the screen smashes, then we'll fix the screen for you. I was working there for a bit, probably about 10 years ago. And that was just to get a bit of money on the side." Paul added: "I probably didn't want to do a reality show did I? I should have just stuck to my acting."
