The EWG (Environmental Working Group) in the US formed so they could provide the general public with breakthrough research so they “could make informed choices and live a healthy life in a healthy environment.” Since 1993, they have been targeting outdated legislation, harmful agricultural practices and industry loopholes that pose a threat to the health of individuals and the environment.


More than 10,000 chemicals are allowed in food sold in the US, and some are direct additives. So, every year the Environmental Working Group in the US conduct an analysis of a range of plants to identify which plants are the most contaminated with pesticides.

In Australia, a pesticide can be used unless there is conclusive evidence that it harms human health. This contrasts with stricter rules used in places like the EU. Unless we buy certified organic produce in Australia, we can’t be sure about the pesticide exposure for Australian produce. Australia does not conduct regular testing on pesticides in our fruit and vegetables, so the EWG provides the best guide for us to refer to. Below are the results for EWG’s fruit and vegetable testing in 2024.

The 2024 Dirty Dozen (ewg.org)

Plant DIRTY DOZEN – EWG Comments
1 Strawberries Dozens of pesticides were found, including chemicals that have been linked to cancer and reproductive damage, or that are banned in Europe
2 Spinach Identified pesticides banned in Europe
3 Kale, collard & mustard greens More than half of the kale samples analysed were tainted by possibly cancer-causing pesticide
4 Grapes A single grape has been found with up to 15 pesticides
5 Peaches
6 Pears Among the most pesticide-contaminated fruit in the EWG dirty dozen
7 Nectarines Every nectarine sample tested positive
8 Apples Doused with chemicals after harvest
9 Bell and hot peppers
10 Cherries
11 Blueberries Back on the list
12 Green beans Tainted by a pesticide the EPA banned over 10 years ago.
Highlights of the 2024 testing listed on www.ewg.org included:

  • >90% of samples of strawberries, apples, cherries, spinach, nectarines and grapes tested positive for residues of two or more pesticides during the EWG’s 2024 testing
  • 209 pesticides were found in total during the 2024 testing
  • >50 different pesticides were detected on every type of crop on the list for analysis in 2024, except cherries
  • There were 13-23 pesticides in at least one sample of each item tested in 2024
  • >100 total pesticides were detected in kale, collard and mustard greens, as well as in hot peppers and bell peppers

The 2024 Clean 15 (lowest amount of pesticide residues according to EWG analyses)

  1. Carrots
  2. Sweet potatoes
  3. Mangoes
  4. Mushrooms
  5. Watermelon
  6. Cabbage
  7. Kiwi
  8. Honeydew melon
  9. Asparagus
  10. Sweet peas
  11. Papaya*
  12. Onions
  13. Pineapple
  14. Sweet corn*
  15. Avocadoes

*A small amount of sweet corn, papaya and summer squash sold in the US is produced from genetically modified seeds according to the EWG. The EWG suggests buying organic versions of these plants if you want to avoid genetically modified produce.

Take Home Messages

  • Be aware of the dirty dozen and try to buy organic or spray-free options of these items
  • If buying non-organic produce, lean towards purchasing the clean 15 and wash them thoroughly before use
  • If the food you are purchasing is not on the list, assume that it is probably better to buy as an organic or spray-free option, or if buying non-organic options, wash thoroughly before use