Fresh strawberries are a favorite fruit in summer, but studies show they are often contaminated with pesticides. They top the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Dirty Dozen list, which highlights fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide levels.
“Strawberries are challenging to cultivate and are prone to insects and other pests, including spoiling microbes. This is why pesticides are necessary; without them, there would be no harvest,” explains Keith Warriner, a professor in the Department of Food Science at the University of Guelph, Ontario.
For the EWG’s 2024 guide, researchers analyzed over 47,000 samples of 46 fruits and vegetables. Non-organic strawberries averaged eight pesticides per sample. Other items on the list include spinach, kale, collard, mustard greens, grapes, peaches, pears, nectarines, apples, bell peppers, hot peppers, cherries, blueberries, and green beans.
Warriner emphasizes that pesticide use is strictly regulated. He reassures consumers that strawberries are unlikely to surpass these limits, and any residues would be quickly identified.
“Though pesticide residues exist, they are at low levels. Consumers shouldn’t worry as the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables outweigh these concerns.”
Carl Winter, Ph.D., emeritus professor of food science at the University of California, Davis, questions the methodology of the Dirty Dozen rankings, suggesting that the risk is determined by the chemical amount, not merely its presence.
“Consumers should simply focus on eating fruits and vegetables, regardless of whether they are conventionally or organically grown,” Winter advises.
“Lists like the Dirty Dozen might deter people from consuming these healthy foods, which is concerning.”
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Does Washing Remove the Pesticides on Strawberries?
It’s advisable to wash all produce before consumption to reduce foodborne illness risk, but washing may not completely eliminate pesticides.
“Some strawberries have a waxy coating to prevent mold, which isn’t easily washed away,” says Warriner. “Even without this coating, washing only removes a portion.”
He emphasizes the need for continued research into pesticide-free cultivation and effective cleaning methods.
“Washing with water isn’t enough to remove chemical or microbiological contaminants from fresh produce,” notes Xiaonan Lu, Ph.D., a professor in food safety at McGill University, Quebec. “Cooking effectively kills microbes, but chemical residues persist even after heating.”
While washing can eliminate some pesticide residues, Winter asserts that typical pesticide levels on fruits and vegetables are not hazardous to consumers.
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What About Organic Strawberries?
The EWG emphasizes that fruits and vegetables are crucial for a healthy diet and advises choosing organic varieties from the Dirty Dozen list to alleviate concerns.
Warriner explains that the organic label doesn’t equate to no pesticide use, but often involves stricter regulations. “While organic suggests a pesticide-free approach, it is allowed when necessary. Organic farms may use naturally pest-resistant plants and soil-free growing systems with coverings.”
Opting for organic is a choice for those seeking fewer contaminants, but Winter points out that it comes with a higher price, whereas the minimal pesticide residues in conventional berries do not pose a significant risk to consumers.
