Blueberries, loved by nutritionists for their anti-inflammatory properties, have once again stood out on the list of the most contaminated non-organic products with pesticides, according to the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit environmental health organization.
To develop the 2023 shopping guide, researchers analyzed data from tests on 46,569 samples of 46 fruits and vegetables, which were examined for 251 pesticides by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
As in 2022, strawberries and spinach continued to occupy the top two spots on the “Dirty Dozen,” as the list is known, followed by three greens – kale, cabbage, and mustard. Next on the list are peaches, pears, nectarines, apples, grapes, bell peppers, and cherries. Blueberries and green beans are ranked 11th and 12th on the list.
Nearly 90% of the samples of blueberries and green beans had concerning results, according to the report.
In 2016, the last time green beans were inspected, the samples contained 51 different pesticides. The latest round of tests found 84 different pesticides, and 6% of the samples tested positive for acephate, a pesticide banned for use on the vegetable since 2011 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
When tested last in 2014, blueberries contained more than 50 different pesticides. Tests in 2020 and 2021 found 54 different pesticides – approximately the same amount.
A total of 210 pesticides were found in 12 foods, according to the report. Kale and mustard contained the highest number of different pesticides – 103 types – followed by peppers and bell peppers with 101.
Pesticides are harmful to health, especially for children, and can contribute to hormonal dysfunction, cancer, and damage to the developing brain and nervous system.
There is good news, however. Concerned consumers can prefer vegetables and fruits with lower pesticide levels.
Avocados topped the list of least contaminated products in 2023, followed by sweet corn in second place. Pineapple, onion, papaya, frozen sweet peas, asparagus, melon, kiwi, cabbage, mushrooms, mango, sweet potato, watermelon, and carrot make up the rest of the list.
What to do?
Many fruits and vegetables with higher pesticide levels are essential for a balanced diet, so experts suggest not giving up on them. Instead, opt for organic versions of the most contaminated crops. Most have little to no pesticide residue.
If organic is not available or is too expensive, the recommendation is to wash the food thoroughly with water before consuming it. This will help reduce pesticide levels.
Washing tips provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration include:
Wash by hand with warm water for 20 seconds
• Rinse produce before peeling
• Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firmer produce, such as apples and melons.
• Dry the produce with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce any bacteria that may be present.
Source: CNN