Which fruits and vegetables have the most pesticide residue? 12 items including cherries, strawberries and bell peppers make the list

Fruits and vegetables contain dietary fiber, and parents all want their children to eat more of them. An American organization has listed 12 fruits and vegetables with the most pesticide residue, most of which are foods children love to eat. Parents, remember to wash your ingredients thoroughly!

During the growing process, fruits and vegetables are sprayed with pesticides, and residue may remain even after washing. The US Environmental Working Group (EWG) tests samples of common fruits and vegetables every year for pesticide residue. The samples were thoroughly washed before testing and peeled where applicable. The results found that many fruits and vegetables commonly eaten by Hong Kong, China households still had detectable pesticide residue even after washing. The "most toxic" was strawberries, and the highly popular "superfood" kale also made the top three.

The 12 dirtiest fruits and vegetables (Dirty Dozen™)

1. Strawberries

2. Spinach

3. Kale, mustard greens

4. Nectarines

5. Apples

6. Grapes

7. Cherries

8. Peaches

9. Pears

10. Bell peppers, chili peppers

11. Celery

12. Tomatoes

It is very difficult for the public to tell pesticide residue on fruits and vegetables with the naked eye. The Centre for Food Safety recommends the following methods for washing fruits and vegetables:

1. Rinse vegetables thoroughly under running water.

2. If suitable, scrub hard-surfaced produce with a clean brush to remove dirt and other substances (including pesticides and contaminants) from the surface and crevices.

3. It is not recommended to wash vegetables with soap, formulated detergents or produce cleaners.