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permitted for human consumption. Don’t they have our backs? The Environmental Protection Agency, the agency that regulates pesticides in the United States, is currently in the process of updating safety standards to adhere to the Food Quality Protection Act, a law that requires the protection of infants and children from pesticides. Although there seem to be some changes happening slowly through government standards, it is still up to us as consumers to shop for foods that are good for us and for the environment. This is easy to do when you have the necessary information.

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did you know. . .

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates that roughly 20 pounds of pesticides per person are used every year. And of those pesticides, at least 59 are classified as carcinogenic.

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produce and pesticides

I am oft en asked which foods have the highest levels of pesticide residue, and it is true that some crops need more spraying than others and some bugs are more resistant than others. Below are lists of fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of known pesticides. These lists are categorized as domestically grown, or grown overseas and imported into the United States. The higher the fruit or vegetable is on the list, the greater the amount of pesticides used, and the greater the health risk. So, for example, among domestically grown fruit, cranberries contain more pesticides than cherries. When shopping for produce, use the lists below to help you choose.

DOMESTIC FRUIT HIGHEST IN PESTICIDES

Cranberries

Nectarines

Peaches

Strawberries

Pears

Apples

Cherries

IMPORTED FRUIT HIGHEST IN PESTICIDES

Grapes

Nectarines

Peaches

Pears

Strawberries

Cherries

Cantaloupes

Apples

DOMESTIC VEGETABLES HIGHEST IN PESTICIDES

Green beans

Bell peppers

Cucumbers

Potatoes

Tomatoes

Peas

Lettuce

IMPORTED VEGETABLES HIGHEST IN PESTICIDES

Bell peppers

Lettuce

Cucumbers

Celery

Tomatoes

Green beans

Broccoli

Peas

Carrots

Source: The Organic Center, State of Science Review, “Simplifying the Pesticide Risk Equation:

The Organic Option” (March 2008).

On the flip side, people making this green and organic lifestyle change also ask about the safest conventionally grown foods. There are some fruits and vegetables that require little or no pesticides because they are more resistant to pests or pests are not interested in them. For example, bugs have little interest in eating through layers and layers of onion, and as a result, onions are sprayed very little.

The produce on the list below have a relatively low amount of pesticide residue and are fine to purchase in their conventional form. This list will be especially helpful when you are trying to save a penny, since organic foods can tend to cost a bit more, or if the organic counterparts of the items below are unavailable. To reduce your pesticide exposure further, wash all produce thoroughly before preparing and eating it.

CONVENTIONAL FRUIT AND VEGETABLES LOWEST IN PESTICIDES

choosing healthier food

When shopping for animal products such as beef or eggs, it’s important to understand the difference between “organic” and “sustainable.” The animals raised for organic meat must be given access to the outdoors, which can be simply a door leading to a cement patch. Sustainably raised animals must be allowed to carry on their normal behavior, like grazing and pecking. Organic farming can be done by large corporations, while sustainable farms are small operations. Organic products can be shipped across the country, while sustainably produced products are made and sold locally.

POULTRY, PORK, AND BEEF

The use of antibiotics and growth-promoting hormones is common where poultry, hogs, and cattle are raised, so it’s important to shop wisely for meat. Organic meat is the healthiest choice because it is free of these drugs. Some experts believe that humans who ingest these antibiotics risk developing drug-resistant bacteria. Another problem with the antibiotics used for the animals is that they are ending up in our water supply, with unknown consequences.