A newly released report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has found that spinach, a widely consumed vegetable in the U.S., now ranks highest for pesticide residue among all tested produce in 2025. The EWG’s annual “Dirty Dozen” list, which evaluates fruits and vegetables sold in grocery stores, aims to inform consumers about the types of produce with the highest levels of pesticide contamination. While farmers across the country rely on pesticides to protect crops from pests and disease and to meet production demands, some residue often remains even after washing and processing. Consumers are always advised to rinse produce before eating, but trace amounts can are almost always left behind.
In this article, we’ll look at which fruits and vegetables made the 2025 list, the data and questionable methodology behind the rankings, and the growing debate over whether the list truly reflects health risk, or simply causes unnecessary alarm. We’ll also examine the economic impact of EWG’s recommendations, and whether choosing organic really makes a meaningful difference.
EWG’s “Dirty Dozen” List
The “dirty dozen” list produced by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) shows which produce has the most pesticides. This list is compiled yearly. Last year, strawberries were ranked as having the most pesticides. However, according to the new Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce released in June 2025, spinach ranks highest for residue. Other produce which are new to the list that has been added are potatoes and blackberries. Dark leafy greens such as kale, peaches, cherries, apples, grapes and pears have all made the “dirty dozen” list for pesticide residue.
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The “Dirtiest” Produce and New Additions
In this year’s “dirty dozen” list, spinach came out on top having “more pesticide residues by weight than any other type of produce” according to their site. To establish the “dirty dozen” list, the EWG uses data collected from the USDA. 75% of the non-organic spinach samples contained permethrin, a neurotoxic insecticide that Europe has banned. The USDA tested blackberries for the first time in 2023, and they made it onto this year’s list.
Another new addition to the “dirty dozen” list for the most pesticide residue were potatoes. One of the most consumed vegetables in America, 90% of potatoes tested positive for chlorpropham, which inhibits sprout growth. The use of chlorpropham is also banned in the European Union.
EWG’s Methodology for Creating the Dirty Dozen List
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) determines its yearly “dirty dozen” list through an analysis of pesticide residue data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Pesticide Data Program. These tests include over 53,000 samples of 47 different fruits and vegetables that have been washed and prepared.
For 2025, EWG updated its methodology to provide a more accurate assessment of potential health risks. Their methodology involves incorporating pesticide toxicity data alongside the amount of pesticides on the produce. Dayna de Montagnac explains, this refined methodology “takes into account the potency of each chemical and can help shoppers reduce their overall pesticide burden,” aiming to provide consumers with more information for making better purchasing decisions about regular versus organic produce.
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Criticisms and Limitations of EWG’s Dirty Dozen
Critics argue that EWG uses flawed methodology that lacks any scientific credibility when creating their yearly list. The EWG rejects the evaluation standard set by USDA and instead opts to use its own proprietary system. EWG openly admits that their methodology only weighs all pesticides equally without considering EPA-established safety levels.
High Pesticide Foods: Methodology and Data Analysis
The methodology places importance in pesticide count over actual toxicity levels. Researchers rank produce according to the number of different pesticide residues they detect rather than their concentrations or health impacts. Research shows that over 99% of USDA-tested produce contains pesticide residues well below EPA safety thresholds. However, EWG’s system treats all detected residues as a cause for concern. This flawed approach misrepresents actual consumer risk and creates consumer hesitancy in purchasing vital fruits and vegetables.
Inadequate Risk Context and Consumer Impact
EWG’s approach misrepresents actual health risks by hyperfocusing on residue detection without providing safety context. The organization fails to distinguish between pesticide residues that fall below approved safety levels and those that exceed harmful levels. Governmental and regulatory agencies have consistently shown that over 99% of produce samples contain residues well below EPA safety thresholds.
This misleading messaging creates unnecessary fear that may discourage consumers from fruit and vegetable consumption. Research shows that low-income consumers exposed to EWG’s messaging report they would be less likely to purchase any produce. This misleading information could undermine health and wellness by instilling reluctance in people to consume necessary and vital produce.
Organic Vs. Regular Produce
EWG’s recommendations are misleading as there are pesticides used in organic farming. The organization promotes organic alternatives without acknowledging that organic produce also contains pesticide residues.
These residues can originate from approved organic pesticides, environmental contamination, and drift from neighboring farms where pesticides are used. Organic farming allows numerous pesticides including copper-based fungicides, natural toxins, and even some synthetic compounds. EWG fails to explain that organic does not mean pesticide-free, misleading consumers about actual exposure differences.
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Inadequate Regional and Seasonal Representation
EWG’s methodology is based on averaged national data that may not accurately represent what is available in grocery stores. The organization fails to take into account the variability of pesticides across regions. Some areas show 89.7% detection rates while others register only 70.7%. Seasonal factors significantly influence residue levels, with rainy seasons producing higher concentrations than dry periods. Agricultural practices and application rates create additional variability between different regions.
Economic Burden Without Clear Benefits
The Dirty Dozen pushes consumers toward expensive organic options without proving clear health advantages. Studies show organic foods may contain more antioxidants, but conventional produce remains perfectly safe. Many families cannot afford organic prices and simply avoid fruits and vegetables entirely. This creates a bigger health problem than any pesticide risk. The list especially hurts low-income families who need affordable nutrition most. Experts worry that food fears cause more harm than the tiny pesticide amounts found on conventional produce.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
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