The Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 Foods

What You Need to Know About Pesticide Exposure in Your Food 

Pesticides are chemicals that are used to protect crops from insects, weeds, and other pests. While they are intended to improve crop yields, they can also pose risks to human health. The Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists are guides to help consumers make informed choices about the foods they eat. In this blog, we will discuss what you need to know about the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists. 

The Dirty Dozen List 

The Dirty Dozen list is a guide to the 12 foods that are most commonly contaminated with pesticides. These foods are listed in order of the number of pesticides detected on them, with the most contaminated food at the top of the list. 

The 2021 Dirty Dozen list includes:  

Strawberries 

Spinach 

Kale/Collard Greens/Mustard Greens 

Nectarines 

Apples 

Grapes 

Cherries 

Peaches 

Pears 

Bell Peppers 

Celery 

Tomatoes 

These foods are often treated with multiple pesticides, and some may contain up to 20 different pesticides. Pesticides have been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, reproductive issues, and neurological problems. 

The Clean 15 List 

The Clean 15 list is a guide to the 15 foods that are least likely to be contaminated with pesticides. These foods are listed in order of the amount of pesticides detected on them, with the least contaminated food at the top of the list. 

The 2021 Clean 15 list includes: 

Avocado 

Sweet Corn 

Pineapple 

Onion 

Papaya 

Sweet Peas (Frozen) 

Eggplant 

Asparagus 

Broccoli 

Cabbage 

Kiwi 

Cauliflower 

Mushrooms 

Honeydew Melon 

Cantaloupe 

These foods are often treated with fewer pesticides, and some may not contain any pesticides at all. Eating these foods can help to reduce exposure to pesticides and promote overall health. 

 
 How to Reduce Exposure to Pesticides 

 While it may not be possible to completely avoid exposure to pesticides, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure. Here are some tips: 

Buy Organic 

Organic foods are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, so they are less likely to be contaminated with pesticides. Look for foods that are certified organic by the USDA. 
 

Wash Your Produce 

Washing your produce can help to remove some of the pesticide residues. Use a vegetable brush to scrub fruits and vegetables under running water. 

Peel Your Produce 

Peeling your produce can also help to reduce pesticide exposure. However, keep in mind that many nutrients are found in the skin of fruits and vegetables, so you may want to consider leaving the skin on. 

Choose Foods from the Clean 15 List 

Choosing foods from the Clean 15 list can help to reduce exposure to pesticides. These foods are less likely to be contaminated with pesticides and can provide important nutrients for overall health. 

In conclusion, the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists can help consumers make informed choices about the foods they eat. Choosing organic produce, washing and peeling produce, and selecting foods from the Clean 15 list can help to reduce exposure to pesticides and promote overall health. By making simple changes to your diet, you can reduce your exposure to pesticides and enjoy the many health benefits of a nutrient-rich diet.