Choosing organic foods: The 'Dirty Dozen' and 'Clean Fifteen'

Many of us strive to eat organic food – grown without man-made fertilisers, pesticides; growth regulators and livestock feed additives – but are held back by higher costs.

The 'Dirty Dozen' and 'Clean Fifteen' helps us to choose which foods to prioritise – the Dirty Dozen are those that are most contaminated with pesticides and so should be bought organic if possible, and the Clean Fifteen are those with the least amounts of pesticide residues and therefore you can be a bit more relaxed about.

Dirty Dozen

1. Strawberries

2. Spinach

3. Kale, collard and mustard greens

4. Grapes

5. Peaches

6. Pears

7. Nectarines

8. Apples

9. Bell and hot peppers

10. Cherries

11. Blueberries

12. Green beans

Clean Fifteen

1. Avocados

2. Sweetcorn

3. Pineapple

4. Onion

5. Papaya

6. Peas (frozen)

7. Asparagus

8. Honeydew melon

9. Kiwi

10. Cabbage

11. Watermelon

12. Mushroom

13. Mango

14. Sweet potato

15. Carrots

Source: Environmental Working Group, www.ewg.org

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Disclaimer

The information and advice I provided here is of a general nature and should never replace individual health or medical advice provided by your doctor or other healthcare professional involved in your care.