Have you ever heard of the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen?

These two lists classify the fruits and vegetables that contain the most and the least pesticide residues, even after you carefully wash and peel them.

A recent report published this week by the Environmental Working Group, based on tests done by the US Department of Agriculture, has updated the lists and unfortunately, some of our favourite fruits and vegetables turn out to be potentially harmful. 

While fruits and vegs are essential components of a healthy diet, research suggests that pesticides may pose significant health risks, such as infertility, obesity and even cancer.

So, check the lists before you go shopping: for the Clean Fifteen, you can buy the non-organic choice without being at risk, while food from the Dirty Dozen should be bought organic as much as possible to limit your exposure to pesticides – or not bought at all.

The Dirty Dozen for 2018 (in descending order)

  • Strawberries
  • Spinach
  • Nectarines
  • Apples
  • Grapes
  • Peaches
  • Cherries
  • Pears
  • Tomatoes
  • Celery
  • Potatoes
  • Red and yellow peppers

The Clean Fifteen for 2018

  • Avocados
  • Sweet corn
  • Pineapples
  • Cabbages
  • Onions
  • Frozen peas
  • Papayas
  • Asparagus
  • Mangoes
  • Aubergines
  • Honeydews
  • Kiwis
  • Cantaloupes
  • Cauliflower
  • Broccoli