The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has published its 2026 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, drawing on 53,344 samples from 47 fruit and vegetable types analyzed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The report found that 75% of non-organic samples contained pesticide residues, with 264 different compounds detected. Spinach has once again taken the number one spot on the “Dirty Dozen” list, as 96% of its samples tested positive for pesticides—a finding with direct relevance to Hong Kong consumers, who regularly eat many of these items.
The Dirty Dozen: Key Findings
This year’s most contaminated list includes spinach, kale, strawberries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, cherries, apples, blackberries, pears, potatoes, and blueberries. More than 200 distinct pesticides were identified across these items, and nearly every sample carried at least one chemical. The data underscores the heavy pesticide load on conventional produce and highlights the importance of informed shopping for health-oriented households.
The Clean Fifteen: A Safer Bet
On the other end of the spectrum, items such as pineapple, sweet corn, avocado, papaya, onions, frozen peas, asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, watermelon, mangoes, bananas, carrots, mushrooms, and kiwis showed remarkably low contamination. Almost 60% of these samples had no detectable pesticide residues, and fewer than 16% contained more than one chemical. For budget-conscious consumers, this list offers practical guidance when organic options are unavailable.
PFAS: The “Forever Chemicals” Concern
A particularly troubling outcome of this year’s analysis is the discovery that over 60% of Dirty Dozen samples contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These persistent chemicals, often called “forever compounds,” appeared in three of the ten most common pesticides found. Fludioxonil showed up in nearly 90% of peach and nectarine samples, while fluopyram and bifenthrin were frequently detected in grapes and blackberries.
EWG Vice President Bernadette Del Chiaro warned that PFAS pose significant risks. “Their use as active ingredients in pesticides threatens both public health and the environment,” she said. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, chronic exposure to even trace amounts of PFAS has been linked to cancer, thyroid dysfunction, elevated cholesterol, infertility, and immune system suppression. These findings add urgency to calls for tighter regulation of such compounds in agriculture.
How to Reduce Pesticide Exposure
While the results are concerning, experts stress that proper handling can lower risk. Professor Yen, a chemist at National Taiwan University, recommends the following cleaning steps:
- For leafy greens: Remove roots, soak in clean water for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly two or three times.
- For cabbage-type vegetables: Peel off outer leaves, separate layers, soak, and rinse each leaf individually.
- For berries: Rinse the stem area under running water, soak in fresh water for 10 to 15 minutes with water changes every few minutes, and pat dry before removing the stem.
- For firm-skinned produce: Use a soft brush to scrub surfaces before eating.
These techniques can reduce but not entirely remove pesticide residues. Pairing them with smart purchasing decisions offers the best defense.
Taking Action
Hong Kong shoppers can use these lists as practical tools when planning their grocery trips. Prioritising organic versions of Dirty Dozen items—especially spinach, berries, and apples—may lower dietary pesticide intake. Additionally, advocating for more stringent oversight of PFAS in farming and supporting local suppliers who adopt integrated pest management could drive broader change.
The EWG report is a timely reminder that the food system’s chemical load does not have to be accepted passively. With accessible data and straightforward washing habits, consumers can make choices that protect their families and push the industry toward cleaner practices. For more resources, visit the EWG’s website or download their mobile guide for easy reference at the market.