Strawberries Contain the Most Pesticide Residue of 50 Grocery Items

Environmental Working Group releases 'Dirty Dozen' pesticide report

Apples, strawberries, and nectarines were the top three fruit that contain the most pesticide residue, according to an EWG report released April 12. www.tOrange.biz/Flikr, Dave Crosby/Flikr, travel oriented/Flikr

For the first time, strawberries top the 2016 list for containing the highest amount of pesticide residue among 50 popular fruits and vegetables.

Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzes pesticide residue data from the U.S. Department of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and ranks the produce accordingly, popularly known as the “Dirty Dozen.”

Interestingly, in the berry realm, raspberries came in way down the list at No. 23. Imported blueberries scored better (No. 19) than domestic blueberries (No. 14), so it’s safer to buy the imported variety of this superfood.

Key Findings From the 2016 Report

• More than 98 percent of strawberry samples, peaches, nectarines, and apples 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 strawberries showed 17 different pesticides.

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