Spinach tops new list of most pesticide-laden produce; nearly all items tested positive
The 2026 EPA "Dirty Dozen" report identifies leafy greens, particularly spinach and kale, as the fruits with highest average residues from pesticides on farms across America's top agricultural states like California or Washington state where many produce is grown today this year March twenty fifth two thousand six hundred.
Key Points
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1The 'Dirty Dozen' list for March includes leafy greens like spinach and perennial favorites such as strawberries at the top of pesticide residue rankings.
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2Nearly 100% of tested produce samples contained pesticides according to government data from the Shopper's Guide.
Developments
Perspectives
Leafy greens top 'Dirty Dozen' list of fruits and veggies with pesticides residues
— [Mar 25, 12:30] Leafy greens top 'Dirty Dozen' list... (Roanoke)Nearly 97% tested positive for pesticide residue in the produce.
— "Nectarines, peaches and cherries filled out this year's Dirty dozen"'Forever chemicals', PFAS were found on many of these fruits
— [Mar 24] 'Dirty Dozen' Produce: Nearly 100% tested positive for pesticides... (Abc7ny)"Spinach, berries and apples are the most contaminated produce", "according to a new report"
— (Koaa)According to a March 2026 government report, leafy greens like spinach and perennial favorites such as strawberries hold the highest levels of pesticide residues. The article advises families on how to make informed shopping choices regarding these "forever chemicals" in produce based on this data from Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce.kAm}
According to a 2026 report by Environmental Working Group (EWG), spinach holds the highest levels of pesticide residues among produce tested on over 54,341 samples. Despite being washed and peeled before testing as per consumer habits at home, these fruits still contained an average trace amount for most types except potatoes which had fewer pesticides detected
According to a 2026 Environmental Working Group study of over 54,000 USDA samples, spinach and strawberries had the highest levels of pesticide residues among tested produce. Even after washing or peeling fruits like nectarines and vegetables such as potatoes for testing purposes, traces from an average of four different pesticides were found on most items except potato
According to a 2026 report by the Environmental Working Group based on USDA tests from over 54,000 samples, spinach holds the highest levels of pesticide residues among produce. While most tested fruits and vegetables contained four or more pesticides after washing (except potatoes), experts warn that exposure to these mixtures may accumulate in consumers' bodies with potential health risks linked to conditions such as cancer and developmental disorders.