New research shows washing fruits fails to eliminate pesticide residues

A recent study indicates that simply washing fruits and vegetables does not remove pesticide residues, raising concerns about food safety.

Carey Gillam reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• The study, published in Nano Letters, demonstrates that pesticides penetrate fruit peels, making washing ineffective for removal.
• Removing the peel and some of the pulp can effectively eliminate nearly all pesticide residues.
• Consumer Reports found that 20% of fruits and vegetables had pesticide levels posing significant risks, contradicting USDA safety claims.

Key quote:

“This is more science showing that, yes, there are concerns. Don’t just think that washing is going to help you.”

— Michael Hansen, Consumer Reports senior scientist

Why this matters:

Consumers may unknowingly ingest harmful pesticide residues, which are not entirely removed by washing. Understanding effective methods for pesticide removal is important for minimizing potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated produce.

Related EHN coverage:

• Report calls out worst produce for pesticides—strawberries, spinach top list
• Hold the plum pudding: US food sampling shows troubling pesticide residues
• The uphill battle for communities that ban pesticides