Fruit and vegetables produced commercially, unless they are certified organic, have potentially been exposed to pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and synthetic fertilisers at some stage in their growth and may still contain residues when you eat them.
These include a range of highly toxic chemicals such as chlorpyrifos, fenitrothion, difocol and dimethoate. Insecticides containing chlorpyrifos affect the nervous system and have been linked to damaging the developing brain of children (neurotoxins) causing interference with development of intelligence and to behaviour problems in children. It is toxic to bees, aquatic organisms including fish, and to some invertebrates.
Herbicides such as Glyphosate, which is manufactured by the company Monsanto and used in the production of their weed-killer, Roundup, is one type of herbicide that may be used on conventional (non-organic) crops. This common herbicide has been linked to cancer and endocrine disruption.
Exposure to these toxic chemicals from conventional pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and synthetic fertilisers have been linked to such health issues as:
Cancer and diabetes
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and ALS
Brain damage and developmental delays in babies and children
Birth defects and reproductive disorders
Asthma, COPD, and more
Reasons to purchase organic produce:
Generally organic produce are Non-GMO
No synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers or fungicides used
Glyphosate (Roundup) is prohibited on organic crops
Reduced toxins in the environment
Safe for wildlife & insects (such as bees)
Reduces (if not eliminates) off farm pollution
Reduce the toxic load in the air, water, soil and our bodies
Improves soil quality & health
Supports pollinators & biodiversity
Protect our children's health -infants are exposed to hundreds of harmful chemicals in utero
Often more flavourful
Keeps toxins and chemicals out of our water supplies and ocean
Supports farmers health, wellbeing and business
Due to the health of the soil it is highly likely that the fruit and vegetables is more nutrient dense
Healthier for you, reduces your toxic load (eating an organic diet for just a week can cause pesticide levels to drop by almost 90% in adults)
Produce With Highest Level of Pesticide Contamination
Nectarines – 97.3% of nectarines sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Celery – 94.5% of celery sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Pears – 94.4% of pears sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Peaches – 93.7% of peaches sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Apples – 91% of apples sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Cherries – 91% of cherries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Strawberries – 90% of strawberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Imported Grapes – 86% of imported grapes (i.e., Chile) sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Spinach – 83.4% of spinach sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Potatoes – 79.3% of potatoes sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Bell Peppers – 68% of bell peppers sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Red Raspberries – 59% of red raspberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Fruit & Veg That Has High Levels Of Pesticides And Chemicals And You Should Try To Always Purchase Organic
Apples
All berries
Grapes
Celery
Peaches
Spinach
Cherries
Sweet bell peppers (Capsicum)
Nectarines
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Snap peas
Potatoes
*Hot peppers
Leafy Green Vegetables- Lettuce, kale, collard greens etc
Fruit And Veg That Had Been Shown To Have Lower Pesticides & Chemicals When Grown Conventionally
Avocados
Sweetcorn (Conventional corn is always GMO)
Pineapples
Cabbages
Frozen sweet peas
Onions
Asparagus
Mangoes
Papayas
Kiwis
Eggplant
Grapefruit
Cantaloupe
Cauliflower
Sweet potatoes
Bananas
Broccoli
Mushrooms
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
Start small- purchase what you can, when you can.
In a perfect world, we would buy all of our groceries organic. If you’re only going to buy some produce organically, choose from the list above.
When eating conventional fruit and veg be sure to peel the outside skin
Wash your produce thoroughly (whether organic or conventional)
Soak produce in baking soda to remove excess exterior pesticides and chemicals. (mix a table spoon baking soda in water and soak for 12 to 15 minutes.)
Buy local and seasonal produce
Remember, your health, the environment, the animals & your future generations will thank you looking after your health.
Health = Wealth