EWG Report Unveils 12 Common Fruits and Vegetables with Highest Pesticide Levels in 2024

By: Tejal Somvanshi

Top 12 Fruits and Veggies with High Pesticide 

EWG's 2024 Dirty Dozen report reveals that over 90% of certain popular fruits and vegetables carry high levels of pesticides.

Source: Google

Strawberries, topping this year's list, are found with pesticide residues in more than 90% of samples.

Source: Google

1. Strawberries

Spinach ranks second, flagged for containing EU-banned pesticides, a disturbing revelation for health-conscious consumers.

Source: Google

2. Spinach

Concern grows as kale, along with collard and mustard greens, show pesticide levels that could be carcinogenic.

Source: Google

3. Kale

Grapes, a family favorite, join the ranks with over 90% of samples testing positive for multiple pesticides.

Source: Google

4. Grapes

Peaches nearly hit a full score with 99% testing positive for pesticide residues, raising alarms about everyday fruit choices.

Source: Google

5. Peaches

Recent tests on pears show a dramatic increase in pesticide diversity, with over 60% containing five or more types.

Source: Google

6. Pears

Nectarines, delicious yet deceptive, show similar pesticide profiles to peaches, crossing the 90% contamination threshold.

Source: Google

7. Nectarines

The outer beauty of apples hides a harsh reality: they are treated with multiple chemicals post-harvest.

Source: Google

8. Apples

Bell and hot peppers spice up the list with an alarming 101 different pesticides detected.

Source: Google

9. Bell and Hot Peppers

Cherries and grapes share a bitter truth with high pesticide detections, complicating choices for fruit lovers.

Source: Google

10. Cherries

Blueberries, despite their antioxidant fame, are overshadowed by persistent pesticide use.

Source: Google

11. Blueberries

Green beans, once a simple staple, now reveal traces of pesticides banned over a decade ago.

Source: Google

12. Green Beans

With 95% of the Dirty Dozen heavily coated in pesticides, EWG emphasizes the need for consumer vigilance.

Source: Google

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