2019 Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen: What to Know About Pesticides in Your Produce
Practical tips to prioritize produce with minimal pesticide residues for healthier meals.
Every year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases two of the most influential lists in food and nutrition: the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen. These lists highlight which conventionally grown fruits and vegetables are most and least likely to contain pesticide residues, giving consumers an annual snapshot of what’s on their produce—and helping inform choices in the grocery aisle when it comes to eating healthy while reducing chemical exposure.
Understanding the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen
The EWG’s reports are based on USDA and FDA testing, analyzing tens of thousands of fruit and vegetable samples for pesticide residues. The lists aim to guide consumers looking to minimize their pesticide exposure when organic produce isn’t available or affordable. Still, it’s crucial to note that nearly all produce sold in the U.S. contains pesticide residues well below government safety limits. The EWG’s lists do not account for actual health risk, cumulative daily exposure, or risk differences among population groups.
Most experts—including those at EWG—agree: the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables far outweigh potential risks from pesticide residues. Eating plenty of produce is consistently one of the best habits for lifelong health.
The 2019 Dirty Dozen: Most Pesticide-Contaminated Produce
The 2019 Dirty Dozen highlights the twelve fruits and vegetables that, when grown conventionally (not organic), had the highest levels and frequencies of pesticide residues:
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Pears
- Tomatoes
- Celery
- Potatoes
Here’s a deeper look into why these foods landed on the list, what the data show, and the latest trends in produce monitoring:
Why Strawberries Top the List
Strawberries have ranked #1 on the Dirty Dozen for four consecutive years. Over 90% of samples tested positive for more than one pesticide, largely due to the fruit’s delicate surface and growing conditions. If you’re seeking to reduce exposure, strawberries are good candidates to buy organic.
Kale’s Return and The Data Behind It
Kale surged back to the #3 spot in 2019 after nearly a decade off the list. More than 92% of conventionally grown kale samples contained at least two pesticide residues, with some samples harboring as many as 18 different pesticides. Most notably, almost 60% contained DCPA (Dacthal), a pesticide classified as a possible human carcinogen by the EPA—banned on crops in the European Union since 2009.
A Closer Look at Spinach, Apples, and More
- Spinach: Consistently high levels and variety of residues, averaging 10–80% more pesticide residue by weight than other crops.
- Apples, Cherries, Nectarines, Grapes, Pears, Peaches, Tomatoes, Celery, and Potatoes: Each of these staples tested positive for a variety of pesticides in more than 90% of samples.
Table: EWG 2019 Dirty Dozen Summary
| Rank | Produce | Key Pesticide Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Strawberries | Over 90% with multiple residues |
| 2 | Spinach | High residue levels by weight |
| 3 | Kale | Up to 18 pesticides found; DCPA present |
| 4 | Nectarines | Frequent multiple residues |
| 5 | Apples | Over 90% with multiple residues |
| 6 | Grapes | Similar findings |
| 7 | Peaches | Similar findings |
| 8 | Cherries | Similar findings |
| 9 | Pears | Similar findings |
| 10 | Tomatoes | Similar findings |
| 11 | Celery | Similar findings |
| 12 | Potatoes | Similar findings |
Some years, the EWG also highlights “hot peppers” owing to contamination with insecticides toxic to the nervous system, but these did not formally rank in the 2019 list.
What About Organic?
The EWG recommends buying organic versions of Dirty Dozen produce whenever possible. But if organic isn’t available or is too costly, don’t skip fruits and vegetables altogether. Studies and experts overwhelmingly agree that the positive health impacts of sufficient daily produce intake outweigh the possible risks of pesticide exposure from conventional sources.
The 2019 Clean Fifteen: Least Pesticide-Contaminated Produce
On the other hand, the Clean Fifteen list identifies fruits and vegetables that tend to contain little or no detectable pesticide residue, even when conventionally grown. These may be considered lower priority for organic purchases:
- Avocados
- Sweet corn
- Pineapples
- Frozen sweet peas
- Onions
- Papayas
- Eggplants
- Asparagus
- Kiwis
- Cabbages
- Cauliflowers
- Cantaloupes
- Broccoli
- Mushrooms
- Honeydew melons
Key findings from the 2019 Clean Fifteen report include:
- Avocados and sweet corn: The cleanest, with less than 1% of samples showing any pesticide residues at all.
- More than 70%’ of Clean Fifteen produce samples: Were free of any detectable pesticide residues.
- Multiple residues are rare: Only about 6% of Clean Fifteen produce samples contained two or more pesticides.
Why Some Foods Are Cleaner
Most Clean Fifteen produce, like avocados, onions, and pineapples, have thick outer skins or rinds or grow in a way that offers natural protection. This results in lower pesticide absorption and, therefore, lower residue levels by the time they reach your plate.
Balancing Produce Intake and Pesticide Concerns
With frequent headlines about contaminated produce, it’s easy to become wary, but current evidence supports the following key points:
- Washing and peeling reduce but do not eliminate pesticide residues. Most testing includes produce that is washed and, where appropriate, peeled—mirroring how it’s consumed at home.
- There is no validated method for assessing the real-world risk of pesticide intake for consumers. Laboratory analysis can show what and how much residue is present, but not how much individuals are exposed to or what health risks might result from those exposures.
- Eating more produce—conventional or organic—remains one of the few universally agreed-upon nutrition rules. More is more.
Professional Perspective: Fruits and Vegetables Are a “Gift from Nature”
Registered Dietitians consistently encourage people to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables for their proven benefits to health, weight management, and chronic disease prevention. The EWG’s own reports—and most peer-reviewed scientific evidence—affirm that the positive benefits of produce far outweigh the hypothetical risk of pesticide exposure at levels found in the U.S. food supply.
Expert Shopping Tips: How to Navigate the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen
- When possible, choose organic for the Dirty Dozen, especially if you frequently eat those foods raw or whole (like strawberries or apples).
- For the Clean Fifteen, conventional versions are generally safe, even if you’re looking to minimize pesticide intake.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables under running water (even those you plan to peel). Scrubbing can help further reduce residue.
- Peel fruits and vegetables when possible, though this may reduce fiber and nutrient intake for certain produce.
- Focus on variety: Rotating produce means you’re less likely to be exposed to a single pesticide or contaminant regularly.
Common Questions About the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen
Q: Should I be worried about pesticides on my fruits and vegetables?
A: While pesticide residues are present on many fruits and vegetables, they almost always fall within levels deemed safe by the Environmental Protection Agency. In general, the health benefits of regular produce consumption far outweigh potential risks for most people.
Q: Does washing or peeling really help?
A: Washing under running water and scrubbing with a soft brush can remove a significant portion of pesticide residues, dirt, and bacteria from produce surfaces. Peeling further reduces residues but can also remove important nutrients and fiber.
Q: Are organic fruits and vegetables always residue-free?
A: Not always. Organic produce can have traces of pesticides, but they generally contain fewer types and lower amounts. Organic standards restrict use of certain synthetic chemicals.
Q: Should I avoid all foods on the Dirty Dozen unless they’re organic?
A: No. If organic options are unavailable or unaffordable, it’s better to keep eating fruits and vegetables, even if they’re conventionally grown.
Q: Where can I see the most recent Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists?
A: The Environmental Working Group updates these lists every year based on new USDA and FDA data. You can check the EWG website or reputable health news sources for the latest updates.
Takeaway: Produce Is Always Worth It
While the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists bring useful awareness to how fruits and vegetables are grown, there is overwhelming agreement among experts that you should not let fear of pesticides reduce your fruit and vegetable intake. Instead, use these lists to guide your choices if you wish, focus on a mix of organic and conventional produce as fits your budget, and remember: the healthiest plate is always the one full of fruits and veggies.
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References
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a26873412/dirty-dozen-foods-2019-list/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncHSaA0-Chg
- https://www.qualityassurancemag.com/news/ewg-releases-dirty-dozen-and-clean-fifteen-report/
- https://6abc.com/post/dirty-dozen-list-ranks-produce-with-the-most-pesticides/5214663/
- https://www.greenmatters.com/p/2019-dirty-dozen-clean-15
- https://liveenergized.com/dirty-dozen-2019/
- http://www.seat-at-the-table.com/2019/04/08/life-in-balance-whats-the-deal-with-the-dirty-dozen/
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