Emma Wilson
The Clean 15 is a list of conventionally grown fruits and vegetables with very low or no traces of pesticides. It was compiled by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) to help consumers limit their pesticide intake and make more informed choices. The list is based on federal data from over 46,000 samples of 46 fruits and vegetables that were tested for pesticides. Mushrooms are included in the Clean 15 list, indicating that they are among the produce items with the lowest amount of pesticide residues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms on the Clean 15 list | Yes |
| Year | 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| Pesticides used on mushrooms | Thiabendazole |
| Percentage of Clean Fifteen samples with no detectable pesticide residues | 60-65% |
| Other fruits and vegetables on the Clean 15 list | Avocados, Sweet corn, Pineapples, Onions, Papaya, Sweet peas (frozen), Asparagus, Honeydew melon, Kiwi, Cabbage, Mangoes, Sweet potatoes, Watermelon, Carrots |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms are on the Clean 15
The Clean Fifteen includes produce with the least amount of pesticide residues, while the Dirty Dozen lists the 12 fresh non-organic fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues. The lists are based on federal data from pesticide residue tests conducted by the USDA on thousands of samples of fruits and vegetables.
Mushrooms are included in the Clean 15 because they are naturally low in pesticides. The most common pesticide used on mushrooms, thiabendazole, is also a pharmaceutical used to treat pinworm and hookworm infections in humans. However, it is not considered especially harmful unless you are a pinworm.
In addition to mushrooms, other items on the Clean 15 include avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, onions, cabbage, and more. The list is updated periodically, with the latest version including data on the toxicity of pesticides detected on fruits and vegetables in addition to the number, presence, and amount of pesticides.
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The Clean 15 has the least pesticide residues
The Clean 15 is a list of conventionally grown fruits and vegetables with very low or no traces of pesticides. The list is part of the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) annual Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce, which ranks produce based on the number, presence, and amount of pesticides detected. The Clean 15 includes items with the lowest amount of pesticide residues, while the Dirty Dozen lists the 12 fresh non-organic fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues.
The Clean 15 list is based on USDA testing of 48 common, non-organic fruits and vegetables, including US-grown and imported items. Each item is ranked using six different methods of calculating pesticide contamination. The produce is prepared in a “plate-ready” state, meaning it is washed, peeled, and ready to eat before being analyzed. This ensures that the residue levels found in the studies are similar to those consumers would be exposed to when eating conventionally grown produce.
According to the 2023 Clean Fifteen list, avocados and sweet corn were ranked as the top two items with the least amount of pesticide residues. Other items on the list included pineapples, onions, papaya, asparagus, honeydew melon, mushrooms, mangoes, and carrots. Almost 65% of the Clean Fifteen fruit and vegetable samples had no detectable pesticide residues, and the top six items did not test positive for more than three pesticides.
Mushrooms are specifically mentioned as being part of the Clean 15, indicating that they are among the produce items with the lowest pesticide residues. While the presence of pesticides in our food is a concern, it is important to note that washing produce at home can help reduce pesticide residues, dirt, and potentially harmful bacteria. However, washing does not remove pesticides entirely, and the EWG recommends referring to their guide to make more informed choices when shopping for produce.
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Thiabendazole is the most common pesticide used on mushrooms
Mushrooms are included in the Clean Fifteen list, which ranks fruits and vegetables with the least amount of pesticide residues. Almost 60% of Clean Fifteen fruit and vegetable samples had no detectable pesticide residues. However, this does not mean that no pesticides were used in the production of these foods.
Fungicides are used to prevent mold from competing with mushrooms for food and actively killing the mushrooms. Insecticides are also used to kill bugs that lay eggs in the compost, which is made with non-GM crops. While organic alternatives to conventional mushrooms exist, they are not necessarily "chemical-free." However, organic production may limit the types of chemicals used and the amount of chemical residue on the final product.
The use of pesticides in conventional agriculture has been linked to the global decline of wild insect populations and poses risks to human health, especially in children. Pesticides have been linked to disruptions in the hormone system and developmental harms. Therefore, consumers concerned about their health and the environment may consider purchasing organic versions of produce with high pesticide residues, as listed in the Dirty Dozen.
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The Dirty Dozen has the most pesticide residues
The Dirty Dozen is a list of 12 conventionally grown fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residues. It is released annually by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organisation that educates the public on agricultural practices, natural resource protection, and the impact of chemicals on human health. The list helps consumers make informed choices about the produce they buy and eat, as pesticides have been linked to various health concerns, especially in children.
To compile the Dirty Dozen list, the EWG analyses tens of thousands of samples of fruits and vegetables, taken by the USDA and FDA. They use several measures to determine pesticide contamination, including the percentage of samples with detectable pesticides, the average number and amount of pesticides found, and the maximum number of pesticides found on a single sample.
The Dirty Dozen list is not intended to alarm consumers or discourage the consumption of non-organic produce. Instead, it provides information to help people make choices about their dietary intake of pesticides. For example, consumers who want to reduce their exposure to pesticides may consider purchasing organic versions of produce on the Dirty Dozen list.
While the Dirty Dozen list highlights foods with detectable pesticide levels, it's important to note that these levels are regulated by government agencies and are generally considered safe for consumption. The real concern, as pointed out by experts, is the insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables in the average diet. However, certain vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems, may be at higher risk of adverse effects from chronic exposure to pesticides.
In conclusion, the Dirty Dozen list is a valuable resource for consumers who want to make informed choices about their produce purchases and dietary pesticide intake. While the presence of pesticides in food is a valid concern, it is important to maintain a balanced perspective and ensure a sufficient intake of fruits and vegetables, as recommended by dietary guidelines.
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The Clean 15 is updated annually
The Clean 15 is a list of conventionally grown fruits and vegetables with very low or no traces of pesticides. It is part of the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce, which ranks produce based on the number, presence, and amount of pesticides detected. The EWG is a nonprofit organization that aims to protect public health and the environment.
The Clean 15 list is updated annually to provide consumers with the most up-to-date information on the produce items with the lowest amounts of pesticide residues. The list is based on data from pesticide residue tests conducted by the USDA and the FDA on thousands of samples of fruits and vegetables. The produce samples are peeled, scrubbed, and washed before testing, and even after this preparation, traces of pesticides are often found.
The annual update to the Clean 15 list ensures that consumers have accurate and current information about the produce items with the lowest pesticide residues. This allows consumers to make informed choices about the fruits and vegetables they purchase and consume, helping them to reduce their exposure to pesticides. It also encourages the consumption of a varied diet of fresh produce, as recommended by health experts.
In 2023, the top items on the Clean 15 list included avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, onions, papaya, and cabbage. In 2024, the list included avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, onions, and cabbage. Mushrooms were also included in the 2023 list, but it is not clear if they remained on the list in 2024. The list is updated annually, so it is important to refer to the most recent version to get the most accurate information.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms are on the Clean 15.
The Clean 15 is a list of conventionally grown fruits and vegetables with very low or no traces of pesticides.
The Dirty Dozen is a list of the 12 fresh non-organic fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes a Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce, which includes both lists.
