A critical shopping list

 A growing consensus that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can cause damage to human health, especially during fetal development, infancy, and early childhood is, unfortunately, not enough to require such substances be banned from use in food production.  Even given the fact that scientists know enough about the long term consequences of ingesting pesticides to advise us to minimize our intake, the availability of pesticide-free food is not what it should be.  When shopping for organically produced food items, a consumer must seek out specialty stores and/or pay higher prices.  While I don’t remember a day when organic was simply expected,  it did exist.    And it was then that people were healthier, leaner, more active …  seriously, we need to stop the hormones, stop the pesticides, stop the madness!!  It really shouldn’t be this hard, should it?

The Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Updated Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides for 2010 makes choosing where to spend your organic dollars a bit easier.     Here are the results:

The dirty dozen (HIGHEST IN PESTICIDES, BUY THESE ORGANIC) include:

1.  Celery

2. Peaches

3. Strawberries

4. Apples

5. Blueberries

6. Nectarines

7. Bell Peppers

8. Spinach

9. Kale

10. Cherries

11. Potatoes

12. Grapes (imported)

And the Clean 15 (LOWEST IN PESTICIDES) are:

1. Onions

2. Avacado

3. Sweet Corn

4. Pinapple

5. Mangos

6. Sweet Peas

7. Asparagus

8. Kiwi

9. Cabbage

10. Eggplant

11. Cantaloupe

12. Watermelon

13. Grapefruit

14. Sweet Potato

15. Honeydew Melon

If you’re interested in EWG’s research findings, you should know that people who eat five fruits and veggies per day from the “dirty dozen” consume an average of 10 pesticides per day.  Those who eat from the 15 least contaminated conventionally-grown fruits and veggies ingest fewer than 2 pesticides per day.    But, remember that those who eat organic eat none.  (and i mean organic in the true sense of the word — do a little research on organic food labels to ensure you are choosing truly organic options — or reference this blog for more info – or , better yet, grown your own fruits & veggies to know exactly what you are consuming!!  and help nurture our mother earth at the same time).    OK, I injected a short rant.  Back on topic …   if you think rinsing your fruits & veggies will help, think again.  The data used to create the findings above is based on produce tested as it is typically eaten (washed, rinsed and/or peeled)  Rinsing reduces but does not eliminate pesticides.  While peeling helps, it also removes some of the vital nutrients.

For more information, download a PDF version of the updated shopper’s guide at www.foodnews.org  ~ also, if you donate $10 or more, you will receive a free EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides bag tag clip for your reusable shopping bag!   How convenient is that??   Go check it out!