2017 Dirty Dozen List: The Most Pesticide-Laden Produce
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released it’s annual Dirty Dozen list!
Who is the EWG, you may wonder?
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment. Their mission is to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. They aim to drive evidence-informed consumer choice and civic action with up to date research and public education.
For 2017, the EWG’s annual report found that almost 70% of 48 non-organic samples tested positive for at least one pesticide. In many cases, the numbers were much higher – for example, a single strawberry harboured 20 different pesticide residues; a second example would be how despite the fact that spinach nutrition is loaded with calcium and vitamins, researchers found DDT, a neurotoxic insecticide banned in the U.S. in an alarming number of samples,
A “Clean 15” list is also included in the EWG’s report, identifying the non-organic produce least likely to be contaminated with pesticide levels.
While choosing organic food as often as possible is advisable, it is understandable that it is not always feasible or realistic, given perhaps, a limited budget, or limited produce selection. Simply put, the goal of these lists put out by the EWG, is to help inform you and to help you to focus your attention on avoiding the most contaminated fruits and veggies and to help you make an educated choice as to which items are the most important to include as organic parts of your diet!
Key Findings of the EWG’s 2017 Dirty Dozen Report:
- More than 98% of samples of strawberries, spinach, peaches, nectaries, cherries and apples tested positive for residue of at least one pesticide.
- A single sample of strawberries showed 20 different pesticides.
- Spinach samples had, on average, twice as much pesticide residue by weight than any other crop.
- Avocados and sweet corn were the cleanest: only 1% of samples showed any detectable pesticides.
- More than 80% of pineapples, papayas, asparagus, onions and cabbage had no pesticide resides. (Note: Some papayas are GMOs. Chose organic to avoid that).
- No single fruit sample from the Clean Fifteen tested positive for more than four types of pesticides.
EWG’s Dirty Dozen List for 2017:
11. Sweet Bell Peppers
1. Sweet corn
6. Frozen Sweet Peas
This list should in no way deter you from eating fruits and vegetables, but it should make you aware of modern chemical farming. Using chemicals and pesticides to fumigate the soil and kill weeds, microbes and bugs has some unwanted side effects, including damaging soil health and beneficial microbes. Chemicals and pesticides may be linked to numerous health problems, including: skin problems, allergies, certain cancers, neurologic disorders, inflammatory conditions, aches and pains, digestive issues, leaky gut syndrome and gastrointestinal issues, as general examples. The aim of providing you with this information is to help you make informed-choices when it comes to your health and what you eat!
Disclaimer: This information is not intended in ANY way to replace the advice of your medical doctor, primary care physician, or registered dietician. Please consult your medical doctor before making any changes to your diet regime.
Author: Dr. Katie Au
B.Sc. Kin (Hons), D.C., D.Ac, CSCS, FCCRS©, ART®, GT®
Toronto Chiropractor | Acupuncture Practitioner | Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
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