Buying Organic Fruits and Vegetables

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The U.S. government regulates the use of pesticides on fruits and vegetables and most people can process the relatively small amount of pesticide residues that may be eaten. Still, some supporters of organic foods argue that eating chemical residues over time can lead to health problems, especially for people with weakened immune systems.

You can buy organic foods if you're trying to stay away from pesticide residues. But these foods often cost more and some varieties of conventionally grown fruits and vegetables are relatively low in residue. So when might buying organic benefit your health?

The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit health advocacy research organization, ranks the least and most contaminated fruits and vegetables based on data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce can help you learn which fruits and vegetables may have the most pesticide residues.

Based on results of the most recent study, the EWG issued a "Dirty Dozen" list of fruits and vegetables with the most pesticide residues and a "Clean 15" list of produce with the least residues.

According to the USDA, pesticide residue was found on 98 percent of more than 700 apple samples tested, making apples the most contaminated type of produce. Onions ranked lowest in residues, followed by sweet corn.

Visit the EWG's website to learn more .

"Dirty Dozen"

Apples
Celery
Strawberries
Peaches
Spinach
Nectarines (imported)
Grapes (imported)
Sweet bell peppers
Potatoes
Blueberries (domestic)
Lettuce
Kale/collard greens

"Clean 15"

Onions
Sweet corn
Pineapples
Avocados
Asparagus
Sweet peas
Mangoes
Eggplants
Cantaloupes (domestic)
Kiwis
Cabbage
Watermelons
Sweet potatoes
Grapefruits
Mushrooms