Grapes, oranges and dried fruits make up the podium of the ranking of fruits that contain the most pesticides.
- 61% of pesticides identified in fruits and vegetables are classified as “highly hazardous”.
- In detail, 47 pesticides contain carcinogenic toxins, 15 substances toxic to reproduction and 17 inhibitors that can alter the respiratory system and cause headaches.
- Before eating fruits and vegetables, it is important to rinse or peel them well, or even treat them with baking soda or white vinegar.
To try to better navigate in front of the market stalls, the NGO Pesticide Action Network has compiled a ranking of fruits containing the most pesticides. Their analysis revealed the presence of 122 pesticide residues, toxic to health and the environment, some of which are carcinogenic, in fruit and vegetables in the United Kingdom.
Our list of the ‘dirtiest’ fruit and vegetables is based on UK Government data. It reveals the produce most likely to contain cocktails of multiple pesticides. Sign up to access the latest ‘Dirty Dozen’ list. https://t.co/QEXuOeUyVm
— PAN UK (@PAN_UK) October 5, 2021
The majority of pesticides are “highly hazardous”
At the top of the ranking are grapes with a total of 87.2% pesticides, followed closely by oranges which contain 86.7% pesticides. Behind, we find dried fruits (81.9%), pears (73.6%), beans (34.7%) or lettuce (23.6%).
Perhaps most worrying is the fact that 61% of the pesticides identified are even classified as “highly hazardous”. In detail, 47 pesticides contain carcinogenic toxins, 15 substances toxic to reproduction and 17 inhibitors that can alter the respiratory system and cause headaches. Recently, several studies have highlighted the link between pesticides and many serious diseases, such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), multiple myeloma, prostate cancer and Parkinson’s disease.
Before eating, do not forget to take care of fruits and vegetables
The NGO specifies that solutions exist to limit the presence of pesticides when consuming fruits and vegetables. Thus, washing or peeling food is essential before eating it. It is also recommended to rub them to clean them as effectively as possible. To act even more intensely, it is possible to use baking soda or white vinegar to remove as much residue as possible.
This report should not divert from the consumption of fruits and vegetables which is essential for health, in particular to reduce stress. Recently, a British study revealed that eating it regularly also influences the well-being of children.
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