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October 05, 2006
The Dirty Dozen
Ever wonder which fruits and veggies are most likely to have pesticide residues?
Wonder no more! The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has just released a list of the top 12 fruits and vegetables most often contaminated with pesticides.
This list - dubbed the "Dirty Dozen" - includes:
Peaches
Apples
Sweet bell peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Pears
Imported grapes
Spinach
Lettuce
Potatoes
The list was compiled based on the findings of FDA and USDA tests conducted between 2000 and 2004.
Exposure to pesticides is known to cause nerve damage and cancer, and is particularly harmful to young and pre-natal children.
The EWG claims that consumers who avoid eating fruits and veggies on the "Dirty Dozen" list can reduce their exposure to pesticides by nearly 90%.
You can sign up to receive a free pesticide guide by visiting the EWG's website, and keep it in your wallet so you're prepared the next time you stroll through the produce aisle.
Other things you can do to protect yourself and your family against pesticide residues include washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before you eat them, and buying organic produce, eggs, meat and dairy.
Visit Sustainable Table's pesticides page for more information, and go tot the Eat Well Guide to find local sources of pesticide-free foods.
Posted by gwen at October 5, 2006 11:02 AM
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Comments
This is the very reason why I eat organic fruits and vegetables!
Posted by: SenioRose at October 11, 2006 07:27 AM