Choosing to eat organic produce is a personal choice that should be made based on scientific evidence and not fear. Peer-reviewed research found that the substitution of organic forms of produce for conventional forms, as suggested in the Dirty Dozen list, does not result in any decrease in consumer risk.
That’s because residues, if present at all, are so low. Moreover, both organic and conventional produce are grown with the use of pesticides. Even organic certification does not guarantee the produce is pesticide-free.
EWG recommends consumers purchase organic versions of produce on the Dirty Dozen list. However, when organic versions are unavailable or not affordable, EWG advises consumers to continue eating fresh produce, even if conventionally grown.
“Although we believe consumers should be concerned about pesticide residues on the food they eat, the health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure,” said EWG Toxicologist Alexis Temkin, Ph.D. in the EWG release.