Each year, various organizations, NGOs, consumer associations, etc., publish studies and establish rankings of the worst fruits and vegetables in terms of pesticides that can be found in France or abroad. These records, which do not bother anything good when we know the harmful effects on the health of these chemicals used to protect the fruits and vegetables from parasites, different on the form according to their origin, the food studied and their content in one or more pesticide residues. Despite everything, many of the same plants are found in these rankings, and in particular a large number of fruits. Our top 10 fruits and vegetables most contaminated by pesticides!
1 – Cherries
Cherries are certainly the plants that are found on our plates which are most contaminated by pesticides.
According to studies, the frequency of contamination of non -organic cherries by a residue of these chemicals can even go up to 100 %!
A result that certainly derives from the fact that in Europe many derogations have been granted to farmers in general, and therefore to cherry producers, in terms of the possibility of using pesticides. A reason which is also valid for all the fruits and vegetables of this top 10.
2 – Fisheries and nectarines
According to numerous studies, peaches and nectarines, in particular those not organic, and of which there are more than 300 varieties in France, also present maximum pesticide levels, close to 100 %, while their consumption in France is very high in particular from June to September.
This is why it is preferable to turn to peaches and nectarines certified for example by the red label or which display the “fishing here” label which guarantees in particular that these fruits are cultivated while respecting the environment.
3 – The grapefruit
The grapefruit, but also the Pomelo who comes from the Caribbean, ranks in 3e Position of our top 10 fruits and vegetables most contaminated by pesticides.
This delicious citrus frosty raw, for dessert, and even sometimes as a starter must therefore be consumed in moderation since when it comes from conventional agriculture, it often contains more than 80 % of pesticide residues, and in particular some of them most at risk for health.
4 – Strawberries
Another much appreciated fruit and a lot consumed in France from spring and until the beginning of summer also presents very important pesticide contents. This is the strawberry. We are talking here about strawberries cultivated outside organic farming, and most frequently in greenhouses, which contributes to the concentration of pesticides on these fruits.
The frequency of strawberry contamination by a pesticide residue, in particular fungicide which is intended to protect this fruit sensitive to mushrooms, thus exceeds 80-90 %.
5 – The grapes
The grapes are also one of the fruits most contaminated by pesticides. Studies have indeed shown that this fruit of the vine could contain up to 90 % of residues of these products harmful to health, and even sometimes some of them which are even prohibited.
There are many varieties of grapes that do not escape this scourge. The most consumed during meals in France are Muscat, Chasselas de Moissac, Alphonse Lavallée, Italia, Moscatel, Cardinal, or Prima. Even at European level, the same problem arises concerning the grapes.
-6 – Celery
Among the vegetables in which we find the most pesticides, celery, and in particular the celery branch, comes first in many studies on the subject.
The UFC Que Choisir association thus indicates a frequency of contamination by a pesticide residue used in conventional agriculture of 100 %, of which mostly difenoconazole that the association for the defense of consumers describes as a phytosanitary product suspected of carcinogenicity by European regulatory agencies.
7 – L’endive
The endive is not to be outdone in terms of pesticide content, especially when this vegetable does not come from organic farming.
This white growth from the chicory of Brussels, mainly cultivated in France in the Hauts-de-France region, has a frequency of contamination by a pesticide residue of 85 %.
This is why it is strongly recommended to wash the endives well before consuming them, even if this essential step unfortunately does not allow to rid these vegetables widely appreciated in France of all their pesticide residues.
8- Potatoes
Yet certainly the most consumed vegetable in France, but also in the world, the potato is in fact not without danger to health due to its contamination in pesticides noted in different studies.
It is notably a pesticide recognized by the health authorities for its endocrine disturbing character, but also possibly carcinogenic, which is present in this vegetable with multiple varieties very appreciated in mash, soup, fries, sautéed, etc.
In order not to consume the potatoes most contaminated in pesticides, it is recommended to choose potatoes, some labels of which guarantee their quality such as “protected geographic indication (IGP)”, “protected original designation (AOP)” as for the potato of the Ile de Ré, or the red label.
9 – Clementine
The Clémentine is one of the citrus fruits that can be enjoyed in winter and reminiscent of the sun! Unfortunately, this juicy and sweet fruit is also one of those who are most concerned with pesticides.
Almost 90 % of the non -organic clementines studied, in the same way as the mandarins, which end up in our plates are indeed contaminated by these phytosanitary products which have consequences on health, in particular by Imazalil, a substance suspected of carcinogenicity by European regulatory health agencies.
10 – The cabbage
Finally, the cabbage closes the walk of our top 10 vegetables and fruits most contaminated by pesticides.
Brussels cabbage, Kale and Chou Froit are the most concerned according to certain studies, while, for example, cauliflower is much less.
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