From the Environmental Working Group:

The Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides ranks pesticide contamination for 47 popular fruits and vegetables based on an analysis of 87,000 tests for pesticides on these foods, conducted from 2000 to 2007 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. Nearly all the studies used to create the list test produce after it has been rinsed or peeled.

The pesticides used in commercial farming are full of toxins that attack your nervous system, reproductive system and immune system, damage your brain and cause cancer. Developing fetuses and young children are especially at risk for being harmed by these chemicals.

THE MOST CONTAMINATED FRUITS & VEGETABLES:

1. PEACHES: Over 94% tested positive for traces of 45 different pesticides.
2. CELERY 94% tested positive for 29 different pesticides.
3. APPLES: 92% tested positive for 36 pesticides
4. SWEET BELL PEPPERS: 68% tested positive for 39 different pesticides.
5. CHERRIES: 91% tested positive for 25 different pesticides.
6. IMPORTED GRAPES: 86% tested positive for 35 different pesticides.
7. NECTARINES: 97% tested positive for 26 different pesticides.
8. PEARS : 94% tested positive for 35 different pesticides.
9. POTATOES: 79% tested positive for 29 different pesticides.
10. RASPBERRIES: 59% tested positive for 39 different pesticides.
11. SPINACH: 83% tested positive for 36 different pesticides
12. STRAWBERRIES: 90% tested positive for 36 different pesticides.

THE LEAST CONTAMINATED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES:

1. ASPARAGUS
2. AVOCADOS
3. BANANAS
4. BROCOLLI
5. CAULIFLOWER
6. SWEET CORN
7. KIWI
8. MANGOES
9. ONIONS
10. PAPAYAS
11. PINEAPPLES
12. SWEET PEAS