Popeye, the sailor man, was famous for eating spinach and growing massive muscles. Just think how disappointed he would be to find out that the 2026 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce found spinach has more pesticides by weight than any other type of produce. Spinach is a very nutritious vegetable and what mother wouldn’t be proud that her children are eating spinach and making big muscles.
The guide is an analysis of the latest U. S. Department of Agriculture testing data which found that 75% of non-organic or conventionally grown, produce samples contained pesticide residues. The most frequently detected pesticide across all fruits and vegetables was fludioxonil. This chemical kills fungus and is used on seeds (wheat, oat, rye) and a post-harvest spray on fruits and vegetables (peaches, pears, plums). Problem is that it is stays around for a long time like a “forever chemical” and causes harm to the liver, hormones and nervous system.
The guide divides fruits and vegetables into two categories, The Clean Fifteen and the Dirty Dozen. The Clean Fifteen identified are conventionally grown produce with the lowest pesticide levels. Pineapple, sweet corn and avocadoes top this year’s list followed by papaya and onions. The other clean samples include frozen sweet peas, asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, watermelon, mangos, bananas, carrots, mushrooms and kiwi. Nearly 60% of the Clean Fifteen had no detectable pesticide.
Spinach’s group, the Dirty Dozen, had the highest pesticide contamination, based on the number, amount and toxicity of the detected pesticides. Top of the Dirty Dozen list are spinach, kale, collards and mustard greens, followed by strawberries, grapes and nectarines and blueberries. Blackberries have just recently been tested and were found to have 4 pesticides per sample. Ninety percent of potatoes contained chlorpropham which is banned in European Union due to health concerns.
96% of the Dirty Dozen samples contained pesticides. A total of 203 different pesticides were detected on these crops. Most items had an average of four or more pesticides per sample.
Pesticide exposure is linked to hormone disruption, nervous system harm and reproduction effects. Research has shown that consuming produce high in pesticides may dimmish the cardiovascular and fertility benefits associated with eating fruits and vegetables. Children are more susceptible to harm from exposure during pregnancy and early life with their rapidly growing brains.
The guide recommends buying organic versions of Dirty Dozen whenever possible, choose from the Clean Fifteen whenever possible, consider frozen organic produce when possible and wash and scrub all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating. Firm produce such as carrots, cucumbers, melons and potatoes can be scrubbed with a clean vegetable brush under running water. All other produce can be gently scrubbed while being rinsed. There is no need for bleach, soap or a produce wash as fruits and vegetables are porous and can absorb those chemicals.
Unfortunately, the Trump administration is changing the Environmental Protection Agency. It will no longer regulate the safety of the environment. Individual states will do that.
by Sally Robinson, MD Clinical Professor
Keeping Kids Healthy
Published 04/03/26
Also See:
UTMB Pediatrics - Pediatric Primary Care
UTMB After Hours Urgent Care