It’s been reported this evening that the total number of illnesses due to salmonella from tainted tomatoes in Massachusetts is up to 17 since late May. As I walked by the tomatoes at the grocery store this evening, I wondered what other fruits and vegetables were considered to be “at risk”.
I remember reading about the “Dirty Dozen”; the 12 fruits and vegetables that contain the most and varied amount of pesticides. From 2000-2005, the USDA and FDA analyzed nearly 51,000 food samples for detectable pesticides. These foods were tested just as if you and I were about to consume them. For example, apples were washed and bananas were peeled. The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit research organization gathered the information and began an awareness campaign. Here are their Dirty Dozen:
RANK
FRUIT OR VEGGIE
SCORE
1 (worst)
Peaches
100 (highest pesticide load)
2
Apples
96
3
Sweet Bell Peppers
86
4
Celery
85
5
Nectarines
84
6
Strawberries
83
7
Cherries
75
8
Lettuce
69
9
Grapes - Imported
68
10
Pears
65
11
Spinach
60
12
Potatoes
58
While pesticides are harmful by design, they ARE meant to kill weeds and bugs after all, there is little scientific data stating the long term effect of pesticide consumption. Those who should be most concerned about pesticides in their fruits and veges are those with infants and children. Certified organic fruits and vegetables is a good alternative for pesticide free foods. To see where your favorite fruit or vegetable places in the list of 43 tested, visit www.foodnews.org.
I remember reading about the “Dirty Dozen”; the 12 fruits and vegetables that contain the most and varied amount of pesticides. From 2000-2005, the USDA and FDA analyzed nearly 51,000 food samples for detectable pesticides. These foods were tested just as if you and I were about to consume them. For example, apples were washed and bananas were peeled. The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit research organization gathered the information and began an awareness campaign. Here are their Dirty Dozen:
RANK
FRUIT OR VEGGIE
SCORE
1 (worst)
Peaches
100 (highest pesticide load)
2
Apples
96
3
Sweet Bell Peppers
86
4
Celery
85
5
Nectarines
84
6
Strawberries
83
7
Cherries
75
8
Lettuce
69
9
Grapes - Imported
68
10
Pears
65
11
Spinach
60
12
Potatoes
58
While pesticides are harmful by design, they ARE meant to kill weeds and bugs after all, there is little scientific data stating the long term effect of pesticide consumption. Those who should be most concerned about pesticides in their fruits and veges are those with infants and children. Certified organic fruits and vegetables is a good alternative for pesticide free foods. To see where your favorite fruit or vegetable places in the list of 43 tested, visit www.foodnews.org.
~~JT