The Environmental Working Group recently released a “Dirty Dozen” list of foods – which includes a list of produce with pesticide residues – to encourage the public to buy organic produce.

Purchasing choices are up to the individual, but they don’t need to be directed by fear. The Agriculture Department’s public data makes it clear that our food supply, both organic and conventional, is safe, in part due to farmers’ dedication to responsible pesticide use. 

The government also regulates pesticide use to reduce residues. Some produce has trace amounts, which can easily be eliminated by running it under water. To put it in perspective, a child could eat 340 apples in one day without any negative side effects from pesticides, even if the apples have the highest residue recorded for apples by the USDA (check out the pesticide residue calculator for more info).