Hi Anna, It’s important to note that the absence of a specific food item from the “Dirty Dozen” list doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s free of pesticide residues. It simply means that, based on the EWG’s criteria, other fruits and vegetables are found to have higher levels of pesticide residues and are thus prioritized on the list.

Consumers concerned about pesticide residues can choose to buy organic corn, which is grown with fewer synthetic pesticides and without synthetic fertilizers. Washing and peeling non-organic corn can also help reduce potential pesticide exposure.

Yes, plants can uptake pesticides when they are applied to the soil or the surrounding environment. This is especially true when pesticides are used repeatedly, as they can accumulate in the soil. When pesticides are applied to crops, gardens, or other agricultural areas, some of the chemical residues may remain in the soil even after the intended target (e.g., pests or weeds) has been treated.