The dirty dozen and clean fifteen is a list of fruits and vegetables containing the highest and the least number of types of pesticides, respectively. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) updates the lists every year on their website. 

Here are a few dirty dozen and clean fifteen lists over three years

The dirty dozen list of three years varies has many repetitive fruits and vegetables with the most number of pesticide residues. Consumers should buy these organically at the local supermarket.

The clean fifteen lists are identical over the three years. These fruits have the least number of pesticide residues, and it is okay to buy non-organically.

However, these lists are based on the US perspective, so it would be helpful for those who are buying American produce.

Malaysia imports fruits and vegetables worldwide, and not every country has a list of pesticide-laden food. So, we might be consuming trace pesticides more than we expected.

Why is it important?

Conventional farming of fruits and vegetables uses pesticides to combat pests for better production. Thus, pesticides can be collectively found in and on food produces. Pesticide is not particularly good for human health since they are designed to kill living organisms.

Minimising Trace-Pesticides Intake

Organic fruits and vegetables are often more expensive. Grocery shopping with the help of dirty dozen and clean fifteen lists at the very least can help reduce trace-pesticides intake, primarily produce from America.

Also, a consumer can clean their fruits and vegetables with a good food cleanser. The food cleanser help remove pesticides that is on the produces but not pesticides in the produce. The best way to minimise trace-pesticides intake is to eat organically.

Market Fruits & Vegetables are Safe for Consumptions

Even though non-organic fruits and vegetables contain pesticides, they are at a none-lethal amount, suggesting pesticides are at a meagre amount and presents a very low risk to human health.

On top of that, pesticides have to be evaluated and proved to be safe for usage. This is to ensure protection for both humans and the environment. Therefore, pesticides sold in the market are safe for farmers and the environment.

Thus, non-organic fruits and vegetables sold at the market have a low amount of pesticides. Pesticides level presence is below the high-dose threshold and is safe to eat. However, it does not protect consumers from long-term low-dose health effects of pesticides.

Just be wary of non-organic fruits and vegetables containing pesticides. Make sure trace pesticide consumption is to the minimum by washing fruits and vegetables with an effective food cleanser. Also, remember to eat organic whenever possible!