2026 ‘Dirty Dozen’ Produce: Nearly 100% Tested Positive for Pesticides, Including ‘Forever Chemicals’ Researchers have identified the most pesticide-contaminated fruits and vegetables in the 2026 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, highlighting concerns about harmful residues in commonly consumed items. Leafy greens like spinach and popular foods such as strawberries and grapes topped the list, with spinach showing the highest levels of pesticide residue by weight. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released the report, which analyzed data from USDA tests on 54,344 samples of 47 fruits and vegetables. The “Dirty Dozen” list includes nectarines, peaches, cherries, apples, blackberries, pears, potatoes, and blueberries. Spinach, which ranked first, averaged four or more pesticide types, while potatoes had the lowest average at two. Experts warn that exposure to multiple pesticides may increase health risks, as residues can accumulate over time. The USDA’s testing process involved peeling, scrubbing, and washing produce to simulate home preparation, yet traces of 264 pesticides were found, with 203 linked to the Dirty Dozen. Pesticides have been associated with various health issues, including premature births, congenital malformations, heart disease, cancer, and developmental problems in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that pesticide exposure during pregnancy or childhood can lead to birth defects, low birth weight, and attention or learning difficulties. The report also revealed that over 60% of Dirty Dozen samples contained PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” which are persistent in the environment and linked to cancer, obesity, thyroid disease, and immune system damage.#fda #environmental_working_group #american_academy_of_pediatrics #alliance_for_food_and_farming #croplife_america
