The Dirty Dozen Fruits and Vegetables

More and more people are demanding food free of synthetic chemicals. But the recent analysis of tests by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that nearly 70% of samples of 48 types of conventionally grown produce were contaminated with pesticide residues.

The USDA found a total of 178 different pesticides and pesticide breakdown products on the thousands of produce samples it analyzed. The pesticides remained on fruits and vegetables even when they are washed and, in some cases, peeled.

When buying organic produce is not an option, use this buyer guide to choose foods lower in pesticide residues. But when you do have the option to buy organic, always do so.

The Dirty Dozen List:

1. Spinach

2. Nectarines

3. Apples

4. Peaches

5. Pear

6. Cherries

7. Grapes

8. Celery

9. Tomatoes

10. Strawberries

11. Sweet Bell Peppers

12. Potatoes