Harmful Pesticides Found in 75% of Non-Organic U.S. Produce: Report

Spinach, strawberries and kale contained the most amounts of pesticides among tested produce, even after washing.

A new report warns that twelve of the most pesticide-contaminated fruits and vegetables sold in the U.S. remain tainted with chemicals even after washing, with some samples containing as many as 50 different pesticide residues.

According to the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) 2025 Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce, spinach, strawberries and kale contained the most pesticide residue of all U.S. produce, while pineapple, sweet corn and avocados had the least. 

The new report indicates more than 75% of non-organic fruits and vegetables contain pesticide residue, which could pose potential health risks over time, especially with repeated exposure. 

Pesticide Exposure Concerns

There is a growing body of evidence indicating exposure to pesticides poses a risk to human health. Research warns pesticides can increase a person’s risk of suffering conditions like Parkinson’s disease, various types of cancer, and even contribute to cognitive decline among children.

Other studies warn farmers exposed to pesticides on a daily basis face an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis and can increase the risk of suffering intestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Some research suggests exposure during pregnancy increases a child’s risk of suffering severe birth defects, including impaired brain development, low birth weight and impaired motor skills.

Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit focused on environmental health, releases its annual “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” lists—ranking fruits and vegetables with the highest and lowest levels of pesticide contamination. The rankings are based on data from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) tests, which evaluate both the amount and variety of pesticide residues found, as well as their potential toxicity.

For the 2024 report, EWG researchers analyzed USDA testing data from nearly 54,000 samples covering 47 types of produce. All items were washed and, when appropriate, peeled or scrubbed before testing, to reflect how consumers typically prepare them.

Despite these cleaning measures, the USDA still found residues from 265 different pesticides and their byproducts. Of those, 203 were detected on items included in this year’s Dirty Dozen list—highlighting the most heavily contaminated fruits and vegetables.

In contrast, items on the Clean Fifteen list showed far fewer pesticide concerns. The top three—pineapple, sweet corn and avocados—each had no more than three pesticides detected. In fact, 60% of all Clean Fifteen samples had no detectable pesticide residue at all. New additions to this year’s clean list include cauliflower and bananas.

On the other end of the spectrum, more than 96% of produce on the Dirty Dozen list tested positive for pesticide contamination. Many samples had four or more pesticides, and some contained over 50 different pesticide residues each. 

Blackberries and potatoes were newly added to the list this year. This marked the first time the USDA tested blackberries—93% of which showed detectable pesticide levels, with an average of four pesticides per fruit. Potatoes frequently tested positive for chlorpropham, a post-harvest sprout suppressant.

Dirty Dozen

1. Spinach
2. Strawberries
3. Kale, collard and mustard greens
4. Grapes
5. Peaches
6. Cherries
7. Nectarines
8. Pears
9. Apples
10. Blackberries
11. Blueberries
12. Potatoes

Clean Fifteen

1. Pineapple
2. Sweet corn (fresh and frozen)
3. Avocados
4. Papaya
5. Onions
6. Sweet peas (frozen)
7. Asparagus
8. Cabbage
9. Watermelon
10. Cauliflower
11. Bananas
12. Mangoes
13. Carrots
14. Mushrooms
15. Kiwi

The EWG recommends consumers wash all produce before eating to help reduce pesticide residue, dirt and harmful bacteria. While washing doesn’t remove all chemicals, it can significantly lower exposure. For those looking to minimize pesticide intake, EWG also suggests choosing organic options when possible, including frozen organic produce as a cost-effective alternative.