These are the dirtiest grocery store products and germs aren't even the big problem
Here's what you should know. 👇
A woman looking at produce inside a grocery store.
If you just went grocery shopping you'll want to take note that some items in your fridge need to be thoroughly washed before you eat them.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released its 2024 "Dirty Dozen" list and you may be surprised by some of the items that made the cut.
In its findings, the American non-profit found that non-organic produce is loaded with "fungicides that may harm human hormone systems."
The group noted that in 2024, 75 percent of all "conventional fresh produce" they sampled had "residues of potentially harmful pesticides."
"But for items on the Dirty Dozen, a whopping 95 percent of samples contain pesticides," the summary reads.
Of the 46 items the EWG studied, these 12 fruits and vegetables were most contaminated with pesticides:
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale, collard, and mustard greens
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Pears
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Bell and hot peppers
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Green beans
"The most pesticides were found on kale, collard and mustard greens, with 103 individual chemicals found across the items in the category," the group explained.
The American non-profit also listed the "Clean Fifteen," which included 15 types of produce with the lowest amount of pesticide residues.
The items in the Clean Fifteen include:
- Avocados
- Sweet corn
- Pineapple
- Onions
- Papaya
- Sweet peas (frozen)
- Asparagus
- Honeydew melon
- Kiwi
- Cabbage
- Watermelon
- Mushrooms
- Mangoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
So what does the group recommend shoppers do when buying produce?
In its report, the EWG says shoppers should buy organic versions of the items listed in its Dirty Dozen and either organic or non-organic when buying products listed on the Clean Fifteen.
"There are also many organic and Clean Fifteen options in the frozen food aisle," it adds.
However, the group also explains the health benefits of eating fresh produce, whether it's organic or not, "outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure."
The U.S. National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) also has tips on what people should do when washing pesticides from fruits and vegetables.
While it says "no method is 100 percent effective," washing produce with water "reduces dirt, germs and pesticide residues."
The center highlights that washing and rubbing produce under running water is better than "dunking it." Also, wash all fruits and vegetables, even if you aren't going to eat the skin.
The NPIC adds the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against washing fruits and vegetables with soap, detergent or commercial produce wash.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.