US EditionEWG Finds PFAS in Over 60% of Dirty Dozen Produce Samples in 2026 Report
EWG's 2026 Shopper's Guide found over 60% of Dirty Dozen samples contain PFAS pesticides linked to health risks, based on nearly 55,000 USDA-tested produce samples.
- On Tuesday, the Environmental Working Group released its 2026 Shopper's Guide, finding PFAS 'forever chemicals' in over 60% of samples on its 'Dirty Dozen' list of most contaminated produce.
- The report analyzed 54,344 U.S. Department of Agriculture pesticide-residue samples across 47 produce types, with spinach ranking highest by residue weight and averaging four or more different pesticides per sample.
- CropLife America, representing the pesticide industry, called the report 'fearmongering' and countered that over 99% of tested produce falls below Environmental Protection Agency safety limits, defending current farming practices.
- Health experts link PFAS to cancer, immune damage, and other illnesses, prompting the EWG to recommend consumers buy organic versions of Dirty Dozen items or choose Clean Fifteen produce instead.
- Despite chemical risks, the EWG stressed that maintaining a diet rich in fruits and vegetables remains essential for health, while calling for further research into PFAS exposure and regulatory action.
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The Billings Gazette
Leafy greens top 'Dirty Dozen' list of fruits and veggies with pesticides residues
For the first time, the report found over 60% of all Dirty Dozen samples contain pesticides that are also “forever chemicals” called PFAS.
Krem2 News
Spinach tops list for produce with highest pesticide contamination levels, report shows
Spinach topped this year's "Dirty Dozen" list, which ranks produce based on test results for pesticide contamination. See the full list:
The 2026 Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen Lists Are In—Here's What an Expert Says About Them
Should you be worried about pesticides on your fruits and vegetables? Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RDCredit: Getty Images / MirageC / WIN-Initiative / Anita Kot / annick vanderschelden photography / BurazinKey PointsThe EWG released their lists of the best and worst fruits and vegetables to choose organic.An expert explains that eating more produce, regardless of status, is key to a healthy diet.Cost and access should not deter you—…
2026 'Dirty Dozen' produce: Nearly 100% tested positive for pesticides, including 'forever chemicals'
Nectarines, peaches, cherries, apples, blackberries, pears, potatoes and blueberries filled out this year's "Dirty Dozen" most pesticide-laden fruits and vegetables.
'Dirty Dozen' produce: Nearly 100% tested positive for pesticides, including 'forever chemicals'
Leafy greens such as spinach and perennial kid favorites such as strawberries and grapes held the highest levels of potentially harmful pesticide residues based on government tests.
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