Latest news with #Shopper'sGuide
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New to the ‘Dirty Dozen' list: Blackberries and potatoes
More than 90% of samples of a dozen fruits and vegetables tested positive for potentially harmful pesticide residues, according to the 2025 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce. Dubbed the 'Dirty Dozen,' the list is compiled from the latest government testing data on nonorganic produce by the Environmental Working Group, or EWG, a health advocacy organization that has produced the annual report since 2004. Spinach topped the list, with more pesticide residue by weight than any other produce tested, followed by strawberries, kale (along with mustard greens and collards), grapes, peaches, cherries, nectarines, pears, apples, blackberries, blueberries and potatoes. The annual report is not meant to discourage consumers from eating fruits and vegetables, which are key to good health, but instead to provide tools for decisions on whether to buy organic for the fruits or vegetables their families consume the most, said Alexis Temkin, EWG's vice president of science. '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 Alliance for Food and Farming, which represents organic and conventional produce farmers, has been a long-standing critic of the annual report. 'We strongly support consumer choice when shopping for fruits and vegetables. But this choice should not be influenced by this list,' Teresa Thorne, the alliance's executive director, said in an email. 'Instead consumers should be reassured by decades of toxicology studies, government data and nutrition research which underscores the importance of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables on health and the safety of both organic and conventionally grown produce,' Thorne added. Blackberries were new to the list, having never been tested before by the US Department of Agriculture, while potatoes joined the rankings after being absent in recent years — mainly due to the use of a plant growth regulator called chlorpropham. The chemical has been banned in the European Union, Temkin said. 'It's applied after harvest to essentially prevent potatoes from sprouting while they're in storage or in transit,' Temkin said. 'Because it's applied so late after harvest and so close to when consumers might be exposed or eating potatoes, that's partially what leads to some of these really high concentrations.' More than 50 different pesticides were detected on each of several crops on the Dirty Dozen section of the Shopper's Guide, which was updated this year to measure pesticide toxicity, Temkin said. 'We still have measurements of the detection frequency of pesticides, how many different pesticides are found on produce, as well as the overall concentration. We also have an indicator of that concentration relative to a dose that might cause harm in an animal study,' she said. 'A lot of the Dirty Dozen produce rank really highly when you look at pesticide toxicity, especially relative to the 'Clean Fifteen' items, which have fewer detections of pesticide residues,' Temkin added. As part of the report, EWG also creates an annual 'Clean Fifteen' — a list of conventional produce with the least amount of pesticide residue. Many of these fruits and vegetables are protected by skins you peel before eating — but not all. Pineapple was the least contaminated produce tested, followed by sweet corn (fresh and frozen), avocados, papaya, onions, frozen sweet peas, asparagus, cabbage, watermelon, cauliflower, bananas, mangos, carrots, mushrooms and kiwi. 'An important aspect of the USDA pesticide testing is they really try to mimic consumer behavior. … They wash fruits or vegetables for about 15 or 20 seconds under running water, and then they also peel something like citrus or a mango or a banana,' Temkin said. 'If there are any pesticides on that outer layer, that is removed, and that might be one of the reasons why some of these fruits or vegetables that are on the Clean Fifteen tend to have less detectable pesticide residues.' More tips: All produce, even organic, should be washed before peeling so dirt and bacteria aren't transferred from a knife onto the fruit or vegetable, according to the US Food and Drug Administration. After washing, dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Firm produce such as carrots, cucumbers, melons and potatoes can be scrubbed with a clean vegetable brush under running water, the FDA said. All other produce can be gently rubbed while being rinsed. There's no need to use bleach, soap or a produce wash — fruits and vegetables are porous and can absorb the chemicals. Remove the outermost leaves of cabbage, lettuce and other leafy greens and rinse each leaf carefully — but don't blast your greens with water, or you'll bruise them. Experts said it's best to use low-pressure water that is warmer than your produce and a colander to spin the greens dry. Don't forget to wash the colander afterward. Exceptions are 'triple-washed' bagged greens, which the FDA said do not need an additional wash. Pesticides have been linked in studies to premature births, congenital malformations such as neural tube defects, spontaneous abortions and an increase in genetic damage in humans. Exposure to pesticides has also been associated with lower sperm concentrations, heart disease, cancer and other disorders. Farmworkers who use or are exposed to pesticides are at highest risk, according to studies. A 2022 meta-analysis found workers exposed to pesticides were nearly five times as likely to have DNA damage, while a February 2024 study concluded children exposed at an early age showed poorer neurodevelopment from infancy to adolescence. Children are the most suspectable to the dangers of pesticides due to their small size and developing body and brain, experts say. The risk can actually begin in the womb. 'Pesticide exposure during pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of birth defects, low birth weight, and fetal death,' according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. 'Exposure in childhood has been linked to attention and learning problems, as well as cancer.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New to the ‘Dirty Dozen' list: Blackberries and potatoes
More than 90% of samples of a dozen fruits and vegetables tested positive for potentially harmful pesticide residues, according to the 2025 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce. Dubbed the 'Dirty Dozen,' the list is compiled from the latest government testing data on nonorganic produce by the Environmental Working Group, or EWG, a health advocacy organization that has produced the annual report since 2004. Spinach topped the list, with more pesticide residue by weight than any other produce tested, followed by strawberries, kale (along with mustard greens and collards), grapes, peaches, cherries, nectarines, pears, apples, blackberries, blueberries and potatoes. The annual report is not meant to discourage consumers from eating fruits and vegetables, which are key to good health, but instead to provide tools for decisions on whether to buy organic for the fruits or vegetables their families consume the most, said Alexis Temkin, EWG's vice president of science. '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 Alliance for Food and Farming, which represents organic and conventional produce farmers, has been a long-standing critic of the annual report. 'We strongly support consumer choice when shopping for fruits and vegetables. But this choice should not be influenced by this list,' Teresa Thorne, the alliance's executive director, said in an email. 'Instead consumers should be reassured by decades of toxicology studies, government data and nutrition research which underscores the importance of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables on health and the safety of both organic and conventionally grown produce,' Thorne added. Blackberries were new to the list, having never been tested before by the US Department of Agriculture, while potatoes joined the rankings after being absent in recent years — mainly due to the use of a plant growth regulator called chlorpropham. The chemical has been banned in the European Union, Temkin said. 'It's applied after harvest to essentially prevent potatoes from sprouting while they're in storage or in transit,' Temkin said. 'Because it's applied so late after harvest and so close to when consumers might be exposed or eating potatoes, that's partially what leads to some of these really high concentrations.' More than 50 different pesticides were detected on each of several crops on the Dirty Dozen section of the Shopper's Guide, which was updated this year to measure pesticide toxicity, Temkin said. 'We still have measurements of the detection frequency of pesticides, how many different pesticides are found on produce, as well as the overall concentration. We also have an indicator of that concentration relative to a dose that might cause harm in an animal study,' she said. 'A lot of the Dirty Dozen produce rank really highly when you look at pesticide toxicity, especially relative to the 'Clean Fifteen' items, which have fewer detections of pesticide residues,' Temkin added. As part of the report, EWG also creates an annual 'Clean Fifteen' — a list of conventional produce with the least amount of pesticide residue. Many of these fruits and vegetables are protected by skins you peel before eating — but not all. Pineapple was the least contaminated produce tested, followed by sweet corn (fresh and frozen), avocados, papaya, onions, frozen sweet peas, asparagus, cabbage, watermelon, cauliflower, bananas, mangos, carrots, mushrooms and kiwi. 'An important aspect of the USDA pesticide testing is they really try to mimic consumer behavior. … They wash fruits or vegetables for about 15 or 20 seconds under running water, and then they also peel something like citrus or a mango or a banana,' Temkin said. 'If there are any pesticides on that outer layer, that is removed, and that might be one of the reasons why some of these fruits or vegetables that are on the Clean Fifteen tend to have less detectable pesticide residues.' More tips: All produce, even organic, should be washed before peeling so dirt and bacteria aren't transferred from a knife onto the fruit or vegetable, according to the US Food and Drug Administration. After washing, dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Firm produce such as carrots, cucumbers, melons and potatoes can be scrubbed with a clean vegetable brush under running water, the FDA said. All other produce can be gently rubbed while being rinsed. There's no need to use bleach, soap or a produce wash — fruits and vegetables are porous and can absorb the chemicals. Remove the outermost leaves of cabbage, lettuce and other leafy greens and rinse each leaf carefully — but don't blast your greens with water, or you'll bruise them. Experts said it's best to use low-pressure water that is warmer than your produce and a colander to spin the greens dry. Don't forget to wash the colander afterward. Exceptions are 'triple-washed' bagged greens, which the FDA said do not need an additional wash. Pesticides have been linked in studies to premature births, congenital malformations such as neural tube defects, spontaneous abortions and an increase in genetic damage in humans. Exposure to pesticides has also been associated with lower sperm concentrations, heart disease, cancer and other disorders. Farmworkers who use or are exposed to pesticides are at highest risk, according to studies. A 2022 meta-analysis found workers exposed to pesticides were nearly five times as likely to have DNA damage, while a February 2024 study concluded children exposed at an early age showed poorer neurodevelopment from infancy to adolescence. Children are the most suspectable to the dangers of pesticides due to their small size and developing body and brain, experts say. The risk can actually begin in the womb. 'Pesticide exposure during pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of birth defects, low birth weight, and fetal death,' according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. 'Exposure in childhood has been linked to attention and learning problems, as well as cancer.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
These foods are new to the ‘dirty dozen' list of those with pesticide residue
Eating healthy can be enough of a chore without having to worry about consuming potentially harmful pesticides. But, new research from Environmental Working Group, a U.S. advocacy group also known as EWG, has found that more than 17 percent of non-organic fresh produce sold to Americans contains the residues of harmful pesticides. Relying on data from the Department of Agriculture, the group has released its annual list of foods they deem 'dirty' and 'clean' to help consumers make better-informed choices at the grocery store. 'EWG recommends shoppers seeking fresh produce with low pesticide residues buy organic versions of items on EWG's Dirty Dozen and either organic or conventional versions of produce on the Clean Fifteen,' EWG Senior Scientist Dr. Alexa Friedman said in a statement. 'There are also many organic and Clean Fifteen options in the frozen food aisle.' In total, more than 50 different pesticides were found on samples from each of the Dirty Dozen fruits and vegetables, with the exception of cherries. But, that doesn't mean people should stop eating the produce. 'Everyone should eat more fruits and vegetables – organic or conventional,' said Friedman. 'But for those who want to reduce their exposure to pesticides, the Shopper's Guide can be a powerful tool to avoid consuming potentially harmful chemicals.' So, which foods do they advise you avoid of the nearly 50 in their analysis? Here's what to know... Spinach had more pesticide residue by weight than any other produce the group tested. Three-quarters of non-organic or conventional samples of the nutrient-rich vegetable are contaminated with a neurotoxic insecticide known as permethrin. It's often used to ward off mosquitoes, but can overwhelm the nervous system and result in tremors and seizures. Previous research has also found a link between lower-level exposure and neurological effects in children. Other fungicides have been used on spinach, including mandipropamid, fluopicolide, and ametoctradin, EWG said. The average American eats approximately eight pounds of strawberries annually. However, testing has found that the red fruit were the fresh produce item most likely to be contaminated with pesticide residues – even after they are picked and washed. They may come with dozens of pesticides, including the hormone-disrupting carbendazim and insecticide bifenthrin Some 86 percent of samples of leafy greens had detectable levels of two or more pesticide residues and nearly 60 percent of kale samples were contaminated with residues of a pesticide considered to be a possible carcinogen. Some 100 different pesticides have been found in leafy greens, including the potential carcinogen DCPA. Last August, the EPA issued an emergency suspension of all uses of DCPA. It can harm the lungs, liver, kidney, and thyroid. Grapes can also contain insecticides and fungicides. This is also true abroad, in India and Europe. Previously, more than 96 percent of grapes tested positive for pesticide residues. A summer staple, 99 percent of peaches were found to be contaminated in a previous test with 900 samples. 'The pesticides detected on peaches include fungicides, applied to control mold, as well as insecticides that can harm the nervous system of insects, wildlife and people,' the EWG said. The EWG has said in the past that an average of five pesticide residues were found on cherry samples. That includes iprodione, a fungicide that has been classified as a likely human carcinogen. The EWG has detected residues in nearly 94 percent of nectarine samples. One sample contained more than 15 different pesticide residues. More than six out of 10 non-organic pears recently tested by the Department of Agriculture have traces of five or more pesticides. That marks a dramatic jump from earlier tests. Furthermore, 95 percent of samples had at least one pesticide. Diphenylamine is used on apples to prevent them from developing brown or black patches. The chemical was found in 60 percent of tests on 334 raw non-organic samples. The EPA contends that diphenylamine treatment does not pose a risk to human health, but there are concerns regarding the presence of cancer-causing chemicals that may form on apples when diphenylamine is combined with nitrogen-containing compounds. Blackberries are a new addition to the 'dirty dozen.' The first test of the berries found than 93 percent of samples had pesticide residues, for an average of four different pesticides per sample. The pesticide cypermethrin, classified as a possible human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency, was detected on just over half of conventional blackberry samples. Blueberries are returning with traces of several toxic pesticides. They have been found on 90 percent of conventional samples. The insecticides phosmet and malathion have been found on blueberries. They are toxic to the human nervous system. Potatoes are also new to the list this year. They're also the most consumed vegetable in the U.S. New data, however, has revealed that 90 percent of samples contained chlorpropham, which can cause eye and skin irritation and other more severe problems.
Yahoo
2 days 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
