Why these foods?

Where the list comes from

I used EWG’s produce guide, which ranks foods using USDA pesticide tests. Pesticides are chemicals used to control things like bugs, weeds and mold. The tests look for what’s left on food. EWG

EWG’s higher-ranked foods go on the “buy organic” side. Its lower-ranked foods go on the “regular is fine” side. Green beans and peppers are extra picks EWG flags too. EWG

Why don’t all the lists agree?

They judge the results differently. Consumer Reports also uses USDA data, but gives each food a risk rating. It splits out organic, regular, U.S.-grown and imported produce. Consumer Reports

For example, U.S.-grown blackberries get a lower risk rating than imported ones. So the quick list is a starting point, and where a food was grown can matter. Consumer Reports

Does that make regular produce unsafe?

A pesticide finding alone doesn’t tell you that. The amount and type matter. Most tested food falls within legal limits; Consumer Reports uses stricter cutoffs for some pesticides. Consumer Reports

Use this list to decide where you’d like to spend more. Keep eating fruit and veg either way. EWG

What if organic costs too much?

• Compare prices on swaps, like cabbage instead of kale or sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes. Consumer Reports
• Check frozen organic. It can cost less than fresh. EWG
• Wash your produce, organic too. It helps with dirt, germs and some pesticide residue. EWG How to wash it