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Fruits and vegetables are super important for a healthy diet, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. But what if the produce you’re eating comes with an unwanted side of pesticide residues? Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, highlighting the “Dirty Dozen,” the 12 non-organic fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide levels. The 2025 list, updated with a new focus on pesticide toxicity, reveals concerning trends about the chemicals on our food. Let’s dive into the 2025 Dirty Dozen, explore why pesticide residues are rising, and share practical steps to reduce your exposure while still enjoying produce.
What is the Dirty Dozen?
The Dirty Dozen is an annual list made by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) that identifies the produce that is most contaminated with pesticides. The list currently includes 12 non-organic fruits and vegetables and takes into account 53,692 samples of 47 different fruits and vegetables, identifying 203 different pesticides. Before testing. The produce is thoroughly washed to best identify what contaminants would actually remain when washed properly. The EWG ranks the produce on four factors: number, presence, and amount of pesticides present, along with the new addition of pesticide toxicity.
The four factors mentioned above are also used in the EWG’s other list, the Clean Fifteen, which features produce with the lowest pesticide residue. We will outline the Clean Fifteen later in the blog.
The 2025 Dirty Dozen List
Here’s the 2025 Dirty Dozen, organized from highest to lowest pesticide residues:
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Kale, collard, and mustard greens
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Nectarines
- Pears
- Apples
- Blackberries*
- Blueberries
- Potatoes*
New features to the 2025 list are blackberries and potatoes.
Blackberries, which averaged four contaminants per sample, have the insecticide cypermethrin as it’s most common pesticide, which is classified as a possible carcinogen by the EPA. In addition, potatoes, which average 2 contaminants, have a high concentration of the growth regulator, chlorpropham. This chemical was banned in the EU in 2020 for health concerns. Combined with the fact that potatoes are the US’s most consumed vegetable, this is a serious cause for alarm.
Rising Pesticide Residues
The 2025 data paints a troubling picture: 75% of non-organic produce and 96% of Dirty Dozen items had detectable pesticide residues, even after washing. Some chemicals, like chlorpropham on potatoes, are applied post-harvest, making them harder to remove. Others, like the fungicides fludioxonil and pyrimethanil, are potential endocrine disruptors, which may interfere with hormones. The rise of “pesticide cocktails” (multiple residues on a single piece of produce) is particularly concerning, as regulations typically assess pesticides individually, not in combination. This gap could mean amplified health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children, infants, and pregnant women, whose developing systems are more susceptible to harm.
75% of non-organic produce has detectable pesticide residue even after washing. This number is thanks to a number of factors allowed in agricultural standards and the lack of regulations. Standout concerns to note include:
- US Agricultural Regulations: the EPA sets pesticide residue limits. However, these limits often lag behind current scientific updates. It is also important to note that these residue limits are evaluated individually, not taking into account the use of pesticide cocktails.
- Post-harvest pesticides: applied after crops are harvested for preservation. The chemicals can often become infused in the produce, making it nearly impossible to remove before consumption.
- Pesticide cocktails: multiple pesticides used on a single crop. The combined chemicals can amplify the negative health impacts of each pesticide exposure.
The Dirty Dozen’s Impact on Health
As we have established above, pesticide residue is a major issue due to the associated harms to health. The major concerns include:
Cancer
Some pesticides detected on Dirty Dozen produce, such as certain organochlorines and fungicides, are classified as possible or probable carcinogens by organizations like the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Chronic exposure to these residues, even at low levels, may increase the risk of cancers like leukemia or breast cancer, particularly when combined with other environmental toxins.
Gut Health
Pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides disrupt the gut microbiome by causing dysbiosis, the imbalance of beneficial and harmful gut bacteria. Examples of dysbiosis-causing contaminants include chlorpyrifos, imazalil, and glyphosate. These chemicals weaken microbial metabolism, resulting in metabolic disorders and neurodevelopmental issues.
Research suggests long-term exposure to these chemicals may also weaken the gut wall, increasing permeability and inflammation, worsening conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and impacting the gut-brain connection, potentially leading to anxiety and depression.
Hormone Disruption
Pesticide residues, such as fungicides found on 2025 Dirty Dozen produce, are linked to hormone disruption because they can mimic or block hormones like estrogen in the body. This interference can mess with growth, metabolism, and even mood. Meaning, it is extremely important for children and pregnant women to avoid these contaminants
Neurological Damage
Some pesticides can affect the nervous system and cause neurological damage. These contaminants can harm children’s brain development or lead to memory or coordination degradation in adults with extended exposure.
Organophosphates in particular—a phosphorus-containing chemical pesticide—have been studied for their possible connection to neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Reproductive Issues
Pesticide residues are associated with reproductive issues, including reduced fertility, birth defects, and pregnancy complications.
Chlorpropham, used to stop sprouting in nearly 90% of non-organic potatoes recorded by EWG, has been linked to reproductive toxicity in animal studies, raising concerns for humans. Exposure during pregnancy or early childhood can disrupt reproductive development, potentially leading to lower sperm counts or hormonal imbalances later in life.
What Can Consumers Do?
Don’t be afraid of fresh fruits and veggies! Here are some tips to limit contaminant exposure.
Organic Options
When it comes to the Dirty Dozen, we highly recommend you choose organic alternatives to limit contaminant exposure. If cost is a concern, you can get away with buying conventional (non-organic) Clean Fifteen produce because they have the lowest amount of pesticide contaminants.
The EWGs 2025 Clean Fifteen includes:
- Pineapple
- Sweet corn (fresh and frozen)
- Avocados
- Papaya
- Onions
- Sweet peas (frozen)
- Asparagus
- Cabbage
- Watermelon
- Cauliflower
- Bananas
- Mangoes
- Carrots
- Mushrooms
- Kiwi
Thoroughly Clean Outer Layer
While not perfect, it’s important to remove as much contaminants from produce before eating or cutting. Below are 6 washing methods:
Support Sustainable Farming
Advocate for stricter pesticide regulations and shop at farmers’ markets or co-ops that prioritize eco-friendly practices. We always suggest buying locally organic or farmed using organic or biodynamic methods. Seek out farmers using heirlooms or ask your farmer to add them to their future crop planting plans. Why? Heirlooms are more genetically diverse, so they are more nutritious!
Consumers can play a pivotal role in advocating for cleaner food supplies by urging governing bodies to implement stricter regulations on pesticide use in agriculture. By supporting policies that prioritize organic farming, enforce rigorous residue testing, and limit harmful chemicals like organophosphates and neonicotinoids, Americans can push for safer produce that protects public health and the environment. Engage with local and federal representatives, support organizations like the Environmental Working Group, and demand transparency in food production to ensure a healthier, more sustainable food system for all.
Summary
The 2025 Dirty Dozen list shines a spotlight on the non-organic fruits and vegetables most laden with pesticide residues, with spinach, strawberries, and newcomers like blackberries and potatoes topping the charts. The EWG’s new emphasis on pesticide toxicity highlights rising concerns about chemical exposure, especially from “pesticide cocktails” that may pose greater risks than previously thought. Eating fruits and vegetables remains essential for health, but smart choices—like prioritizing organic for the Dirty Dozen and washing produce carefully—can minimize risks. Use the EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to navigate the grocery store, and join the push for safer, sustainable food systems.
Learn more about possible poisons in your diet and how to limit contamination on Primally Nourished. Start your 14-Day free trial today. Learn more
