> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.flavorist.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # EWG's 2026 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce - URL: https://www.flavorist.com/ewgs-2026-shoppers-guide-to-pesticides-in-produce/ - Published: 2026-07-11T15:34:35.000Z - Updated: 2026-07-11T15:40:28.000Z - Author: Editor ## The Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes an annual Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ based on USDA pesticide testing data. The guide lists produce with the highest and lowest pesticide residues to help consumers make informed choices . --- ### The Dirty Dozen™: Produce with the Highest Pesticide Residues The 2026 Dirty Dozen list identifies fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide contamination. According to the analysis, **96% of samples** from these items contained detectable pesticides, with a total of **203 different pesticides** found across the twelve crops . | Rank | Produce Item | Key Finding | | ---- | ---------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 1 | **Spinach** | Highest pesticide residues relative to weight; multiple active ingredients present simultaneously | | 2 | **Kale, Collard & Mustard Greens** | Leafy greens with complex structures that trap pesticides | | 3 | **Strawberries** | Persistent contamination; among highest PFAS pesticide detection | | 4 | **Grapes** | PFAS pesticides frequently detected; fluopyram found in 8% of samples | | 5 | **Nectarines** | PFAS fungicide found in over half of samples | | 6 | **Peaches** | PFAS pesticides detected in over 80% of samples | | 7 | **Cherries** | Multiple pesticide residues commonly detected | | 8 | **Apples** | Consistent presence of multiple pesticide types | | 9 | **Blackberries** | Bifenthrin (PFAS pesticide) detected most often on blackberries | | 10 | **Pears** | PFAS fungicide found in over half of samples | | 11 | **Potatoes** | High residue levels; frequent detection of multiple pesticides | | 12 | **Blueberries** | Persistent pesticide residues; newly included in recent lists | > Most items on the Dirty Dozen contain an average of **four or more pesticides** per sample . --- ### The Clean Fifteen™: Produce with the Lowest Pesticide Residues The Clean Fifteen lists fruits and vegetables with the lowest pesticide residues. **Nearly 60% of samples** from this list had no detectable pesticide residues, and only **16%** contained residues of two or more pesticides . | Rank | Produce Item | Key Finding | | ---- | ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ | | 1 | **Pineapples** | Lowest residues; thick skin protects the edible portion | | 2 | **Sweet Corn (fresh/frozen)** | Very low or undetectable residues | | 3 | **Avocados** | Natural waxy layer helps block pesticides | | 4 | **Papayas** | Consistently low residue levels | | 5 | **Onions** | Low pesticide detection due to protective outer layers | | 6 | **Sweet Peas (frozen)** | Low residue levels in frozen form | | 7 | **Asparagus** | Minimal pesticide residues detected | | 8 | **Cabbage** | Outer leaves removed before consumption, reducing exposure | | 9 | **Cauliflower** | Low pesticide residues | | 10 | **Watermelon** | Thick rind protects the edible flesh | | 11 | **Mangos** | Peel removed before eating, minimizing residue exposure | | 12 | **Bananas** | Thick peel discarded, edible portion shows low residues | | 13 | **Carrots** | Peeling before consumption reduces residues | | 14 | **Mushrooms** | Very low or undetectable pesticide residues | | 15 | **Kiwi** | Fuzzy skin protects interior; low residues in edible portion | --- ### PFAS "Forever Chemicals" Findings A major finding in the 2026 report is the prevalence of **PFAS pesticides** ("forever chemicals") on produce : - PFAS pesticides were detected on all 47 fruits and vegetables analyzed - The PFAS fungicide **fludioxonil** was the most frequently detected pesticide overall, found in **14%** of all samples and in nearly **90%** of peach and plum samples - Other PFAS pesticides (fluopyram, bifenthrin) were found in grapes and blackberries - Over **one-third** of conventional produce samples contained PFAS pesticide residues --- ### Practical Tips for Consumers Despite these findings, the EWG emphasizes that **a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is essential** and the health benefits outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure. The Shopper's Guide is a tool, not a rule . **Recommendations:** 1. **Choose organic** for items on the Dirty Dozen when possible 2. **Opt for conventional** Clean Fifteen items to save money 3. **Wash all produce** thoroughly under running water 4. **Peel** produce with inedible skins where applicable 5. **Variety** in your diet can help minimize exposure to any single pesticide [https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php](https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php?ref=flavorist.com) ###