Laura Smith
Mushrooms are among the fruits and vegetables that are considered clean 15, which means they are among the top 15 conventional produce with the least amount of pesticide residue. The clean 15 list is intended to help consumers decide which produce to buy organic. While mushrooms are included in the list, the most common pesticide used on them, thiabendazole, is also a pharmaceutical prescribed to treat pinworm and hookworm infections in humans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Produce with the least amount of pesticide residues | Mushrooms |
| Produce with the most amount of pesticide residues | Strawberries, spinach, kale, collard and mustard greens, grapes, peaches, pears, nectarines, apples, bell and hot peppers, cherries, blueberries, green beans |
| Clean 15 | Avocados, sweet corn, pineapple, onions, papaya, sweet peas (frozen), asparagus, honeydew melon, kiwi, cabbage, watermelon, mangoes, sweet potatoes, carrots |
| Pesticide used | Thiabendazole |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms are on the Clean 15 list
The Clean 15 list is based on an analysis of the most recent USDA data. According to the EWG's analysis, almost 60 percent of Clean Fifteen fruit and vegetable samples had no detectable pesticide residues. Just 16 percent of Clean Fifteen samples had residues of two or more pesticides. The Clean 15 list is a useful guide for consumers who want to reduce their exposure to pesticides and make more informed choices when buying fruits and vegetables.
Mushrooms, being on the Clean 15 list, are among the produce with the least amount of pesticide residues. However, it is important to note that even mushrooms may have some pesticide residues. The most common pesticide used on mushrooms, thiabendazole, is also a pharmaceutical used to treat pinworm and hookworm infections in humans. Nevertheless, as far as pesticides go, thiabendazole is not considered especially harmful unless you are a pinworm.
The Clean 15 list is a helpful tool for consumers who want to make informed choices about the produce they buy. By referring to the list, consumers can feel more confident in buying conventional versions of the listed produce, knowing that they have a lower risk of pesticide residues.
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Thiabendazole is the most common pesticide used on mushrooms
The Clean 15 list includes produce that tends to have the least pesticide residues. Mushrooms are included in the Clean 15 list, meaning they are among the fruits and vegetables with the lowest amounts of pesticide residues.
Thiabendazole is a chemical compound that acts as a fungicide by binding to fungal tubulin. It is also used as a pesticide to treat Beech Leaf Disease. Thiabendazole is primarily used to control mould, blight, and other fungal diseases in fruits and vegetables. It is also used as a food additive and preservative.
Thiabendazole is commonly used as a post-harvest fungicide for the treatment of bananas, citrus fruits, and other fruits, including apples, pears, peaches, cherries, and pineapples. It is often applied as a dip or spray, with the fruit being allowed to dry without rinsing before being packed for storage or shipment. In some cases, thiabendazole is also used in wax emulsions applied to the skins of fruits.
While thiabendazole is a commonly used pesticide, it is not approved as a food additive in the EU, Australia, and New Zealand.
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Mushrooms are naturally low in pesticides
Mushrooms are included in the Clean 15 list, which comprises the top 15 conventional fruits and vegetables with the least amount of pesticide residue. The Clean 15 list helps consumers make smarter choices about when to invest in organic produce.
The Clean 15 list is updated annually, and mushrooms were included in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 lists. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyses USDA data on pesticide residues in produce to create this list. According to the EWG, almost 60% of Clean Fifteen fruit and vegetable samples had no detectable pesticide residues. Only 16% of Clean Fifteen samples had residues of two or more pesticides.
While mushrooms are naturally low in pesticides, the most common pesticide used on mushrooms, thiabendazole, is also a pharmaceutical prescribed to treat pinworm and hookworm infections in humans. However, it is not considered harmful to humans unless you are a pinworm.
The Clean 15 list for 2024 included:
- Avocados
- Sweet corn
- Pineapples
- Onions
- Cabbage
- Mushrooms
- Mangoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- Kiwis
- Honeydew melon
- Asparagus
- Sweet peas (frozen)
- Papaya
- Watermelon
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Mushrooms are safe to buy non-organic
The Clean 15 list is updated annually, and mushrooms have been included in the list for 2023, 2024, and 2025. The list is based on the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) analysis of the most recent USDA data. The EWG ranks the Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen lists based on four factors: the number, presence, amount, and toxicity of pesticides on produce.
According to the EWG's report, almost 60% of Clean Fifteen fruit and vegetable samples had no detectable pesticide residues. All samples from the top six produce items on the list did not test positive for more than three pesticides. For avocados and sweet corn, less than 2% of samples showed any detectable pesticides.
The Dirty Dozen list includes produce that is most likely to contain pesticide residues, and it is recommended to opt for organic versions of these to reduce exposure. While it is always a good idea to eat more fruits and vegetables, it is also important to make informed choices about the produce we buy and consume. Washing produce at home before eating can also help reduce pesticide residues, dirt, and harmful bacteria.
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Washing mushrooms reduces pesticide residues
Mushrooms are included in the Clean 15 list, which includes produce that tends to have the least pesticide residues. Other produce on the list includes avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, onions, and cabbage. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), almost 65 percent of Clean Fifteen fruit and vegetable samples had no detectable pesticide residues.
Washing mushrooms and other produce at home before eating can further reduce pesticide residues, dirt, and potentially harmful bacteria. While washing does not entirely remove pesticides, data show that unwashed produce contains higher pesticide levels than washed produce.
When it comes to cleaning mushrooms, there are different techniques depending on the type of mushroom. Wild mushrooms, for example, can be wiped with a wet rag to remove bugs, dirt, and residue from other flora and fauna. They can then be left out to dry on a counter on top of kitchen towels, which helps achieve a crispier texture when cooked.
For store-bought mushrooms, such as cremini, portobello, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms, a gentle rinse under running water is sufficient. This is contrary to the popular belief that mushrooms should not be washed under running water because they will easily absorb it.
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Frequently asked questions
Clean 15 refers to the 15 types of produce that have the lowest amounts of pesticide residues out of 47 types of produce sampled.
The Dirty Dozen is a list of fruits and vegetables that are most likely to contain pesticide residues. The Clean 15 is a list of produce that tends to have the least pesticide residues.
Yes, mushrooms are part of the Clean 15.
