Early testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows blackberries and potatoes have joined the “Dirty Dozen” list for carrying the highest levels of pesticide residues among common nonorganic produce.
Sandee LaMotte reports for CNN
In short:
- Strawberries remain second after spinach on the Environmental Working Group’s annual “Dirty Dozen” list, which now also includes blackberries and potatoes.
- EWG measures contamination by frequency, concentration, and a toxicity-adjusted dose derived from animal studies.
- The new entries reflect U.S. Department of Agriculture testing gaps: Blackberries had not been tested before, and potatoes returned to the list after concerns over the sprout inhibitor chlorpropham.
Key quote:
“The guide is there to help consumers eat a lot of fruits and vegetables while trying to reduce pesticide exposure."
— Alexis Temkin, vice president of science
Why this matters:
Pesticide residues on produce can accumulate in the body and have been linked to health risks ranging from developmental delays to reproductive issues and certain cancers. Because children are more susceptible to the health dangers of pesticides, dietary exposure in early life can shape health outcomes decades later. Beyond individual health, widespread pesticide use affects ecosystems: Runoff can harm aquatic species and disrupt soil microbes that support crop growth. As nonorganic farming remains the norm, understanding which fruits and vegetables carry heavier chemical loads helps families and health professionals weigh the benefits of conventional produce against potential long-term environmental and public health impacts.
Related: What science says about how pesticides in food may affect your health
