Unless you are buying certain fruits and vegetables as organic, you are being exposed to hazardous pesticides. In October, 2007 according to Hazardous Pesticides in the European Parliament, of the eight food samples they tested, 28 different types of pesticide residues were found. The samples were taken from many fruits ranging from strawberries to grapes to oranges.
To name just a few, there were 10 known carcinogens, 3 reproductive toxins, 8 suspected endocrine disrupters and 2 contaminants that were classified as ‘highly hazardous’ by the WHO (World Health Organization).
Apples and peaches had the most pesticides detected with nine found on a single sample. This was followed by eight pesticides found on a single sample in both strawberries and imported grapes.
With regards to vegetables, sweet bell peppers, celery, lettuce and carrots are most likely to be exposed to pesticides. Sample tests done on celery showed the highest percentage, followed by sweet bell peppers and carrots.
If we could, everyone would buy all of their groceries organic. But unfortunately, due to unavailability, that is not always possible. Also, since organic foods are usually more expensive (although the prices are dropping), it may not fit into your budget. To make ‘you’ as the consumer more empowered to make the right choices, here is a list of 14 fruits and vegetables that are the least or most contaminated with pesticides!
Foods Most Contaminated With Pesticides
Apples
Carrots
Celery
Cherries
Grapes
Lettuce
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Potatoes
Raspberries
Spinach
Strawberries
Sweet bell peppers
Foods Least Contaminated With Pesticides
Asparagus
Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cabbage
Kiwi
Mangoes
Onions
Papayas
Pineapples
Sweet potatoes
Watermelon
Corn (frozen)
Sweet peas (frozen)
The best way to ensure your produce is not contaminated with pesticides is to buy organic. With the above information, this should help educate you as to what produce to buy organic and what you can probably purchase safely that is non-organic.
Let food be thy medicine
Hippocrates (circa 431 B.C.)
