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The Dirty Dozen 2025: Which fruits and vegetables have the highest pesticide residues?
Over the years, one thing I've learned is that not all pesticides sit on the surface of your food. Some are absorbed into the plant tissue itself—traveling through roots and stems right into the fruit or vegetable you're eating. Understanding which types of pesticides are used on different crops changed how I shop, because it helped me figure out where buying organic actually makes a difference.
The Environmental Working Group's 2025 Dirty Dozen list identifies produce with the highest pesticide residues based on USDA testing. Worth knowing upfront: this data comes from testing US-grown produce using US-approved pesticides. Australia has different regulations and approved chemicals—some pesticides banned overseas are still permitted here, and vice versa.
But here's why the list is still useful for Australian shoppers: certain crops are inherently more vulnerable to pests and diseases regardless of where they're grown. Berries with thin, porous skins. Leafy greens that attract aphids. Stone fruits susceptible to fungal issues. These characteristics mean they typically require heavier pesticide applications whether they're grown in California or Queensland.
What matters most is understanding the difference between pesticides you can wash off and those you can't—because that determines where your organic spending makes the biggest impact.
What You Can (and Can't) Wash Off: The Key Distinction
This is the information that changed how I approach produce shopping.
Contact (surface) pesticides remain on the outside of fruits and vegetables. Research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that soaking produce in a baking soda solution (1 teaspoon per 2 cups water) for 12-15 minutes effectively removed surface pesticides like thiabendazole and phosmet. You won't eliminate 100% of residues, but you can significantly reduce them.
Systemic pesticides are absorbed into the plant's vascular system during growth. They travel through roots, stems, and leaves, becoming part of the plant tissue itself. These include neonicotinoids (like imidacloprid) and many modern fungicides. No amount of washing removes them because they're literally inside the food.
This distinction is universal—it applies whether produce is grown in the US, Australia, or anywhere else. Understanding which crops typically receive systemic treatments versus surface applications helps you decide where organic matters most.
The Australian Context: What's Different Here
Australian pesticide regulation operates differently than other countries. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) approves chemicals for use, but our standards don't always align with international regulations.
For example, chlorpropham—a sprout inhibitor found on 90% of US potato samples—has been banned in the EU since 2019 but remains permitted in Australia. Dimethoate, a neurotoxic pesticide, was legal for use on Australian berries until the APVMA recently proposed suspension, despite being banned in the EU since 2019.
Here's the challenging part: Australia discontinued comprehensive national pesticide testing in 2014. The US conducts routine annual testing through the USDA, which produces the data for the Dirty Dozen list. We don't have that same level of ongoing surveillance. The most recent Australian Total Diet Study is underway, with results expected in late 2025, but this isn't conducted annually like the US program.
What this means: we're working with less data about what's actually on Australian-grown produce. The Dirty Dozen gives us a useful framework based on crop characteristics, but it's not a complete picture for Australian shoppers.
What We Do Know About Australian Produce
In November 2024, Professor Kirsten Benkendorff from Southern Cross University tested blueberries and raspberries purchased from NSW supermarkets. Her findings showed that Australian produce does contain concerning pesticide residues.
All samples contained between 4-11 different pesticides, even after washing. Some blueberry samples contained dimethoate at levels where a 20kg child would exceed the acceptable daily intake after eating just a handful of berries. Thiometon—banned in Australia since 2001—was detected in multiple samples.
This study matters because it's recent Australian testing showing that pesticide contamination is relevant here, not just in the US. It also highlights why we need more comprehensive, routine testing.
The 2025 Dirty Dozen: Understanding Each Crop
Here's what's on the list and why these crops tend to be pesticide-intensive, regardless of where they're grown.
1. Strawberries
Why they're pesticide-intensive: Strawberries grow low to the ground, have delicate, porous skin, and are highly susceptible to fungal diseases. These characteristics mean they typically require multiple pesticide applications throughout the growing season.
Pesticide type: Fungicides (often systemic) and insecticides.
Can you wash them off? Limited benefit. Systemic fungicides are inside the fruit tissue, and the delicate structure means residues penetrate easily.
Worth buying organic? Yes, especially if eaten regularly.
2. Spinach
Why it's pesticide-intensive: Leafy greens attract numerous pests (aphids, leaf miners, caterpillars) and require insecticide applications. The crinkled leaves also trap residues.
Pesticide type: Both systemic insecticides (neonicotinoids) and contact insecticides.
Can you wash them off? Partially for surface pesticides, not at all for systemic ones. The textured leaves make thorough washing difficult.
Worth buying organic? Yes, particularly for smoothies or frequent raw consumption. Frozen organic is more budget-friendly.
3. Kale, Collard & Mustard Greens
Why they're pesticide-intensive: Like spinach, leafy greens are pest magnets. Caterpillars, aphids, and beetles all target these crops.
Pesticide type: Systemic neonicotinoids and contact insecticides.
Can you wash them off? No for systemic pesticides. Limited reduction for contact pesticides due to textured leaves.
Worth buying organic? Yes, especially if consumed regularly in smoothies or salads.
4. Grapes
Why they're pesticide-intensive: Grapes are susceptible to fungal diseases (powdery mildew, downy mildew) and various insects. Vineyards typically use multiple pesticide applications throughout the growing season.
Pesticide type: Multiple fungicides and insecticides, many systemic.
Can you wash them off? Limited benefit. The thin, porous skin absorbs pesticides easily.
Worth buying organic? Yes, particularly for children who consume them regularly.
5. Peaches
Why they're pesticide-intensive: Stone fruits are vulnerable to fungal diseases and insects like fruit flies and moths. The fuzzy skin doesn't provide much protection.
Pesticide type: Fungicides and insecticides, including systemic treatments.
Can you wash them off? Minimal reduction. The fuzzy skin absorbs pesticides that penetrate into the flesh.
Worth buying organic? Yes, if eaten regularly during summer.
6. Cherries
Why they're pesticide-intensive: Cherries are highly attractive to insects and birds, and susceptible to fungal diseases. The thin skin offers little natural protection.
Pesticide type: Multiple fungicides and insecticides.
Can you wash them off? Partially for surface residues, but the thin skin means pesticides penetrate.
Worth buying organic? Yes. Since cherry season is short, prioritizing organic is more manageable budget-wise.
7. Nectarines
Why they're pesticide-intensive: Similar to peaches—vulnerable to pests and fungal diseases, with smooth skin that absorbs pesticides.
Pesticide type: Fungicides and insecticides.
Can you wash them off? Minimal reduction due to pesticide absorption.
Worth buying organic? Yes, particularly for regular summer consumption.
8. Pears
Why they're pesticide-intensive: Extended growing seasons and susceptibility to fungal diseases mean multiple pesticide applications. Post-harvest fungicides are also commonly applied.
Pesticide type: Fungicides, including post-harvest applications.
Can you wash them off? Surface residues can be somewhat reduced with baking soda washing, but absorbed pesticides remain.
Worth buying organic? Consider it, especially if eaten regularly with the skin.
9. Apples
Why they're pesticide-intensive: Apples are susceptible to numerous pests and diseases. Post-harvest fungicide applications are standard practice to prevent spoilage during storage and transport.
Pesticide type: Multiple fungicides and insecticides, including post-harvest treatments.
Can you wash them off? Surface residues can be partially reduced, but post-harvest fungicides and absorbed pesticides remain.
Worth buying organic? If eaten daily, organic is worth considering.
10. Blackberries (New to 2025)
Why they're pesticide-intensive: Like all berries, blackberries are susceptible to fungal diseases and have delicate structures that can't be scrubbed. This is the first time USDA comprehensively tested blackberries, and results warranted immediate inclusion.
Pesticide type: Fungicides and insecticides.
Can you wash them off? No. The delicate, hollow structure means pesticides penetrate throughout.
Worth buying organic? Yes. Like all berries, organic is strongly recommended.
11. Blueberries
Why they're pesticide-intensive: Blueberries are vulnerable to fungal diseases and various insects. Recent Australian testing confirmed that blueberries sold in supermarkets contain multiple pesticide residues that remain even after washing.
Pesticide type: Multiple systemic pesticides and fungicides.
Can you wash them off? No. Systemic pesticides are inside the berry tissue.
Worth buying organic? Absolutely. This is one I always buy organic or spray-free. When I can't source Australian organic fresh berries, I buy organic frozen—they're more affordable and nutritionally equivalent.
12. Potatoes (New to 2025)
Why they're pesticide-intensive: Potatoes are susceptible to numerous pests (Colorado potato beetle, aphids) and diseases (blight). Post-harvest sprout inhibitors are also commonly applied during storage.
Pesticide type: Systemic insecticides during growth, plus post-harvest sprout inhibitors applied to the skin.
Can you wash them off? Peeling removes post-harvest surface treatments, but systemic pesticides used during growth remain throughout the flesh.
Worth buying organic? Yes, especially since potatoes are a staple in many diets.
The Clean Fifteen: Where Conventional is Fine
Not everything needs to be organic. The Clean Fifteen includes produce with the lowest pesticide residues, often due to thick peels, natural pest resistance, or growing characteristics that require fewer chemical applications.
The 2025 Clean Fifteen: Avocados, Sweet corn, Pineapple, Onions, Papaya, Sweet peas (frozen), Asparagus, Honeydew melon, Kiwi, Cabbage, Watermelon, Mushrooms, Mangoes, Sweet potatoes, Carrots.
Less than 2% of pineapple and sweet corn samples showed detectable pesticide residues in US testing. For these items, buying conventional is reasonable, especially if you peel them. A baking soda wash on items like carrots (if eating the skin) provides extra protection.
This is where you save money. Buy conventional Clean Fifteen items and use that budget for prioritizing Dirty Dozen produce.
Making Smart Swaps When Organic Isn't Available
When organic options aren't accessible for Dirty Dozen items, consider Clean Fifteen alternatives:
- If organic berries aren't in the budget, try mangoes, pineapple, or kiwi
- If organic leafy greens are too expensive, cabbage offers similar nutritional benefits
- If organic apples are unavailable, mangoes or papayas work well
These swaps help you prioritize spending where it matters most while still getting nutritious produce.
Where to Find Organic in Australia
Supermarkets: Coles and Woolworths have organic sections. Look for Australian Certified Organic (ACO) or NASAA labels.
Farmers markets: Ask farmers about spray practices. Many use organic methods without expensive certification. "Spray-free" or "low-spray" is significantly better than conventional.
Specialty stores: Harris Farm Markets, organic food co-ops, independent organic grocers.
Online: Doorstep Organics, Ooooby, local organic box schemes often offer better prices than supermarkets.
Budget tips:
- Frozen organic is cheaper (berries, spinach)
- Buy in season
- Join buying groups or co-ops
- Grow your own leafy greens and herbs
- Split organic box deliveries with friends
Getting Started
Pick one item your family eats most from the Dirty Dozen—maybe berries for breakfast, spinach for smoothies, or potatoes as a dinner staple. Start there.
Try the organic version and see how it fits your budget. As you get comfortable, add another item. Build your personal priority list based on what your family consumes most and which crops have characteristics that make pesticide absorption more likely.
This isn't about overnight transformation. It's about having information that helps you make better choices going forward, at whatever pace works for you.
Which Dirty Dozen item does your family go through fastest? That might be your starting point—especially if it's one of the thin-skinned, fungal-prone crops like berries or leafy greens.