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EWG's 2026 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce

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EWG's 2026 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce

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

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