Spinach, strawberries, and apples are among the most pesticide-contaminated produce in America, according to new government testing data analyzed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The 2026 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce reveals that even after washing and peeling, these popular fruits and vegetables retain multiple pesticide residues, with spinach topping the list for the highest pesticide concentration by weight. Which Produce Has the Most Pesticide Residue? The EWG examined the most recent pesticide residue tests conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on 54,344 samples of 47 different fruits and vegetables to compile their annual "Dirty Dozen" list. The findings are striking: even after produce is peeled or scrubbed and thoroughly washed to mimic what consumers do at home, testing detected traces of 264 different pesticides. The produce with the highest pesticide contamination includes: - Spinach: Contains the highest pesticide residue by weight and averaged four or more different types of pesticides per sample - Strawberries and other berries: Ranked among the top contaminated produce, with blackberries and blueberries also appearing on the Dirty Dozen list - Apples: Consistently show high pesticide residue levels and made the top twelve list - Stone fruits: Nectarines, peaches, and cherries all ranked high for pesticide contamination - Other vegetables: Pears, potatoes, and leafy greens also contained significant pesticide residues Remarkably, samples of nearly every produce type averaged four or more different pesticides, except for potatoes, which averaged two. Consuming produce with multiple pesticide residues is concerning because exposure to mixtures of pesticides may accumulate in the body and raise health risks. What Are "Forever Chemicals" and Why Should You Care? For the first time, the EWG report found that over 60 percent of all Dirty Dozen samples contain pesticides that are also "forever chemicals" called PFAS, which stands for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These chemicals earned their nickname because their molecular bonds can take years, decades, or even centuries to break down completely in the environment. The top three most frequently detected pesticides on contaminated produce were PFAS chemicals. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), several PFAS chemicals have been linked to serious health concerns, including cancer, obesity, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, decreased fertility, liver damage, hormone disruption, and damage to the immune system. Some of these chemicals can cause harm at levels as small as a billionth of a gram. "The PFAS pesticide is the active ingredient in these products because it's effective at killing things, which is the very reason why it's so concerning to public health and the environment at large," explained Bernadette Del Chiaro, senior vice president for California operations at the EWG. Bernadette Del Chiaro, Senior Vice President for California Operations, Environmental Working Group The challenge with PFAS pesticides is that they cannot be contained to target only pests. As Del Chiaro noted, when farmers spray these chemicals on crops, there is no way to limit the harm to just the insects or mold on the produce while protecting the children who eat it. The fact that these persistent, potentially harmful chemicals are intentionally applied to food crops raises significant public health questions. What Health Risks Are Associated with Pesticide Exposure? Pesticides have been potentially linked in past studies to a range of serious health problems in humans. These include premature births, congenital malformations such as neural tube defects, spontaneous abortions, and an increase in genetic damage. Exposure to pesticides has also been associated with lower sperm concentrations, heart disease, cancer, and other disorders. Children are especially vulnerable to pesticide contamination. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, pesticide exposure during pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of birth defects, low birth weight, and fetal death. Exposure in childhood has been linked to attention and learning problems, as well as cancer. How to Reduce Your Pesticide Exposure The good news is that you don't need to stop eating fresh produce. Fruits and vegetables remain the backbone of a healthy diet. Instead, experts recommend strategic choices to minimize pesticide exposure: - Choose the Clean Fifteen: Nearly 60 percent of samples from the "Clean Fifteen" list had no detectable pesticide residues. These include pineapple, sweet corn, avocados, papaya, onions, frozen sweet peas, asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, watermelon, mangoes, bananas, carrots, mushrooms, and kiwi - Buy organic versions of the Dirty Dozen: Choosing organic versions of the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to reduce pesticide exposure, according to EWG science analyst Varun Subramaniam. Studies have shown that eating more organic than conventionally grown foods can reduce levels of pesticides in humans - Look for frozen organic options: Organic options are often available in the freezer section, which can be more affordable and equally nutritious as fresh organic produce - Wash produce properly: All produce, even organic, should be washed before peeling so dirt and bacteria aren't transferred from a knife onto the fruit or vegetable. Firm produce such as carrots, cucumbers, melons, and potatoes can be scrubbed with a clean vegetable brush under running water. All other produce can be gently rubbed while being rinsed under low-pressure water that is warmer than the produce itself - Handle leafy greens carefully: 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. Use a colander to spin the greens dry. Exception: "triple-washed" bagged greens do not need an additional wash - Skip the special produce washes: There is no need to use bleach, soap, or a produce wash on fruits and vegetables, as they are porous and can absorb those chemicals The key strategy is to eat as many different types of fruits and vegetables as possible while prioritizing the Clean Fifteen when choosing conventional produce and selecting organic options for the Dirty Dozen whenever feasible. What Do Industry Groups Say About These Findings? The pesticide industry and farming organizations dispute the EWG's annual report. The Alliance for Food and Farming, which represents both organic and conventional produce farmers, has been a long-standing critic of the findings. A spokesperson stated that when farmers use pesticides, they follow stringent laws and regulations governing pesticide use to provide safe and healthy fruits and vegetables. They also emphasized that the mere presence of a pesticide residue does not automatically mean something is unsafe, and that the EPA sets limits on pesticide residues that include huge safety margins to protect infants and children. A spokesperson for CropLife America, which represents the pesticide industry, told CNN that the EWG's "annual fearmongering campaign promotes distrust in our food system and the tools farmers use to protect their crops against weeds, pests, and diseases." They noted that over 99 percent of tested produce falls well below the EPA's safety limits. Despite industry pushback, the EWG's findings align with growing consumer concern about pesticide exposure and the emerging evidence about PFAS contamination in food. The choice between conventional and organic produce ultimately depends on individual priorities regarding pesticide exposure, budget constraints, and access to organic options in your area.
