Pesticide Ranking Chart

I just found this chart on FoodNews.org, a project put together by the Environmental Working Group. It's a ranking of 43 fruits and vegetables in terms of detectable levels of pesticides. According to the FoodNews website, the ranking was "based on the results of nearly 43,000 tests for pesticides on produce collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration between 2000 and 2005."

The chart is a good reference for shoppers who feel the need to buy some traditionally grown produce. It appears that onions, avocados and frozen sweet corn are some of the safest vegetables to eat if you're worried about pesticides. However, I would advise you to remember that 'organic' is not the only yardstick by which to judge growers. There are many farms, both traditional and organic, that are damaging the earth and threatening the future of our food supply by using unsustainable farming methods.

I think the best use for this chart would be as a guide to which fruits and vegetables you should ALWAYS buy and eat organic. In particular, remembering this chart when you are eating at a restaurant could save you from continued exposure to toxic chemicals.