Since its inception in 1993, Environmental Working Group (EWG) mission is to defend consumers’ rights to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. EWG annually publishes The Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 list of produce with the highest pesticide residue and the least, respectively.

The list is based on 40,900 produce samples tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. And for the fourth straight year Strawberries top the list as the food with the most pesticides, followed by Spinach and Kale. The cleanest food on the list are avocados, followed by sweet corn and pineapples.

“It is important to note that the samples are tested for pesticides after they have been prepared to be eaten. This means the produce has been thoroughly washed and, when applicable, peeled,” EWG.

View the full list Here

In Canada

Health Canada regulates pesticides under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act and only registers pesticides if scientific evidence confirms that its use will not harm human health or the environment. There is no Canadian Government registry for pesticides that are known to cause cancer or other illnesses.

Other EWG Resources

EWG’s also publishes a pocket-size Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™, and the Healthy Living App, which rates more than 120,000 food and personal care products. Support EWG