Environmental Working Group's 2026 Dirty Dozen reveals widespread pesticide residues

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released its annual 2026 guide identifying the twelve conventional fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues. The list, led by strawberries, spinach, kale and other leafy greens, is based on testing more than 54,000 samples and detected 264 different pesticides. Even after thorough washing and peeling—methods typical for home consumers—most items still contained multiple chemical residues.

A striking finding is that 63% of the samples on the list were contaminated with PFAS, the so‑called “forever chemicals,” which persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency links PFAS exposure to serious health problems such as cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, reduced fertility, hormonal disruptions and weakened immunity. While experts note that detected levels are generally far below legal limits, they caution that cumulative exposure to pesticide mixtures may still pose risks. EWG recommends choosing organic versions of the Dirty Dozen produce or using enhanced cleaning methods, such as soaking in a bicarbonate or vinegar solution, to lower exposure.