EWG 2026 dirty dozen list finds pesticides in nearly all tested produce

A new report from the Environmental Working Group has raised fresh concern about what ends up on everyday fruits and vegetables. The 2026 Dirty Dozen list found that almost every sample tested from the most contaminated produce carried pesticide residues. Some of those samples even showed traces of PFAS, a group of chemicals that break down very slowly and can remain in the body over time.

The Dirty Dozen list is released each year and ranks produce based on pesticide contamination levels. It draws on data from government testing programs, which examine how much residue remains on food after it reaches stores. This year’s findings point to a consistent pattern rather than a one-off issue. Residues were found across nearly all samples in the highest-risk group.

What the report actually found

The 2026 list includes familiar items such as strawberries, spinach, and kale. These crops often appear on the list because they are more exposed to pesticides during growth. According to the data cited by the Environmental Working Group, many samples contained multiple pesticide residues at the same time.

PFAS detection has drawn particular attention this year. These chemicals are sometimes called forever chemicals because they do not easily degrade. They have been used in various industrial and agricultural processes, and their presence in food raises questions about long-term exposure through diet.

Why PFAS in food is a concern

PFAS compounds have been linked to health risks in several studies, including effects on the immune system and potential links to certain diseases. While the levels found in produce are often small, repeated exposure over time is what draws attention from researchers and regulators.

Food is only one pathway. PFAS can also enter the body through drinking water and other sources. That means even low levels in fruits and vegetables add to a broader exposure pattern rather than acting in isolation.

How regulators and consumers are responding

The Environmental Working Group has called for tighter oversight of pesticide approval and more consistent monitoring of residues. The group argues that current standards do not fully account for combined exposure to multiple chemicals at once.

For consumers, the report often shapes shopping habits. Some choose organic options for items on the Dirty Dozen list, while others rely on thorough washing or peeling to reduce residue. Washing can lower some pesticide levels, though it does not remove everything.

The release of the 2026 list adds to ongoing debate about food safety in the United States. Updated testing data and regulatory decisions in the coming months will determine whether limits on certain chemicals are adjusted or remain unchanged.