Pesticides are often used on produce to control insects as well as weeds and fungi. The Environmental Protection Agency sets limits on tolerable levels of pesticide residue on produce. Between 2004 and 2006, the Food and Drug Administration tested 2,243 domestic samples and 4,870 imported samples for pesticide residue, a tiny percentage of the total sold. They reported illegal pesticides in 2 percent of domestic samples and 6 percent of imported samples. Several organizations publish lists of produce with the highest pesticide levels. These vary somewhat in their findings, but some fruits and vegetable appear on both lists.
Strawberries
The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) lists strawberries as the fresh produce with the highest amount of pesticides. OCA looked at data from the Consumers Union, publishers of the magazine "Consumer Reports," and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) to compile its list. The EWG ranks strawberries as the third "dirtiest" fruit or vegetable.
Celery
Celery, number one on the EWG's contaminated produce list, ranks as number seven on the OCA site. Look for organic celery, grown without pesticides and using natural fertilizers, manual weed control and natural insect control methods.
Peaches
Peaches occupy the second most contaminated spot of the EWG list, ranking in fifth place on the OCA site. Canned peaches, on the other hand, contain low levels of pesticides, according to the OCA. Peeling peaches also helps remove pesticide residue.
Peppers
Red bell peppers occupied the number two spot on the OCA list, while sweet peppers are number seven on the EWG list of most contaminated fruits and vegetables. Consider growing your own bell peppers if you live in a hot or temperate climate, the OCA suggests.
Spinach
Spinach, a green leafy vegetable, is number four on the OCA list and number eight on the EWG list of "dirty" produce. Spinach is another easy-to-grow vegetable, according to the OCA. Lettuce ranked number 13 on the EWG site, but missed the top 15 on the OCA site.
Cherries
Cherries ranked number four on the OCA's list of contaminated produce, and number nine on the EWG list. Cherries from the United States contain three times as much pesticide residue as cherries from other countries, which rank among the cleanest fruits and vegetables, according to the OCA. Buying cherries from outside the United States or Canada lowers the risk of pesticide residue, the OCA explains.
Apples
Apples rank number four on the EWG list of "dirty" produce and number eight on the OCA list. Apple juice, unlike the apple itself, contains little pesticide residue, the OCA says, which makes it a good substitute for fresh apples. Peeling apples also helps remove residue.
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