Strawberries Top Of List For Highest Pesticide Residues

Did you know that the average American eats 8 pounds of fresh strawberries a year? Also, did you know that strawberries lead EWG’s Dirty Dozen list for the product with the highest number of pesticide residue? For the first time strawberries have surpassed apples, which headed the list for the last five years.

Facts on Pesticides:

•  California growers apply 300 pounds of pesticides to each acre of conventional strawberries.

• 98% of strawberries have pesticide residue

• Carbendazim Hormone Disruptor was found on 30% of strawberries 

• Up to 17 different pesticides can be found on a single strawberry

• Bifenthrin is a possible Carcinogen and is found on 40% of strawberries

Are you scratching your head wondering what you can do to minimize your exposure to potenially harmful pesticide residues. The answer is quite simple. Shop organic when the produce you want falls on the EWG’s Dirty Dozen List.

Eating organic can be expensive and when it’s not in your budget then make sure you choose a fruit or vegetable that is not on the Dirty Dozen List. There are so many different fruits and veggies to choose from. Instead, work off EWG’s Clean Fifteen list.

Thanks,

Gwen