Ew, The Dirty Dozen

{Screenshot this and use next time you’re grocery shopping!}

Have you heard about The Dirty Dozen from Environmental Working Group (EWG)? In short, it’s an annual list that helps consumers identify the best investments when buying organic. The data analyzed comes from USDA tests, in which produce was washed and peeled before testing to mimic what a consumer would do. After the EWG pulls together the data, analysts classify the 12 items that contained the most pesticide residues as The Dirty Dozen. 

So who is the EWG? It’s a non-profit group that was founded in 1992, and specializes in research and advocacy in the areas of agricultural subsidies, toxic chemicals, public lands and corporate accountability. A huge part of their mission is to give families the tools needed to make the best product buying decisions. So, I wanted to share this info with you in case you’ve never heard about it before! 

Let’s review some of the key findings from The Dirty Dozen from 2015 {via}:

• 99 percent of apple samples, 98 percent of peaches, and 97 percent of nectarines tested positive for at least one pesticide residue.
• The average potato had more pesticides by weight than any other produce.
• A single grape sample and a sweet bell pepper sample contained 15 pesticides.
• Single samples of cherry tomatoes, nectarines, peaches, imported snap peas and strawberries showed 13 different pesticides apiece.

The Dirty Dozen

1. Apples*
2. Peaches
3. Nectarines
4. Strawberries
5. Grapes
6. Celery
7. Spinach
8. Sweet Bell Peppers
9. Cucumbers
10. Cherry Tomatoes
11. Imported Snap Peas
12. Potatoes 

*If you can only purchase one type of organic produce, definitely go with apples. They’ve topped The Dirty Dozen list for five years in a row! One report showed that 80% of apples sold in the US were contaminated with a chemical called DPA, a chemical banned in Europe which prevents the apple’s skin from developing brown or black patches. 

Talk to Me

• Have you heard about The Dirty Dozen? What are you’re thoughts? 
• What types of produce do you usually buy organic?