The Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen: What YOU Should Know

When it comes to choosing fresh fruit and vegetables, most of us just want to know what’s healthiest for our bodies and best for our families. But did you know that the way produce is grown can affect how much pesticide residue ends up on your plate?

In the United States, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases an annual list known as the Dirty Dozen (produce with the highest pesticide residues) and the Clean Fifteen (produce with the lowest). It’s a popular guide for helping consumers decide where it may be most worthwhile to spend extra on organic.

But how does this apply to us here in Australia?

The Dirty Dozen (U.S. 2024 list)

The current U.S. list includes produce like:

• Strawberries

• Spinach

• Kale, collard & mustard greens

• Peaches

• Pears

• Nectarines

• Apples

• Grapes

• Bell & hot peppers

• Cherries

• Blueberries

• Green beans

These foods are often grown with more pesticides, and residues are still detected after washing and peeling.

The Clean Fifteen (U.S. 2024 list)

On the other hand, these tend to have the lowest residues:

• Avocados

• Sweet corn

• Pineapple

• Onions

• Papaya

• Sweet peas (frozen)

• Asparagus

• Honeydew melon

• Kiwi fruit

• Cabbage

• Mushrooms

• Mangoes

• Sweet potatoes

• Watermelon

• Carrots

The Australian Context

Here in Australia, we don’t have a direct equivalent of the EWG list. However, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) regulates pesticide use, and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) sets maximum residue limits. Regular testing has shown that most Australian produce complies with safety standards.

That said, consumer advocacy groups such as CHOICE have noted that some fruits and vegetables in Australia can also carry higher levels of residues, with apples, strawberries, and grapes being commonly mentioned – very similar to the U.S. findings.

So while the exact rankings differ, the takeaway is similar: thin-skinned fruits and leafy greens are generally more prone to pesticide residues, while thick-skinned or peeled produce tends to have less.

What You Can Do

You don’t need to avoid these foods – fruits and vegetables are always an essential part of a healthy fertility-friendly diet. But here are some practical tips:

• Prioritise organic for the “dirtiest” produce when budget allows (especially berries, leafy greens, and apples).

• Wash produce thoroughly under running water and use a vegetable brush where possible.

• Peel when appropriate (e.g. apples, cucumbers).

• Support local farmers – smaller-scale producers often use fewer chemicals.

• Don’t stress – eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables (organic or not) is far better than avoiding them.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re on your fertility journey or simply aiming to improve your family’s health, being mindful of where pesticides might lurk can help you make informed choices. Use the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen as a helpful guide, but remember: here in Australia, food safety standards are strong, and what matters most is enjoying plenty of fresh, colourful produce every day.

References:

• Environmental Working Group (EWG) 2024 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.

• Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ): Food safety and pesticide residues.

• Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA): Regulation of agricultural chemicals.

• CHOICE: Fruit and veg pesticide testing reports.

 

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