Best way to rid fruits and vegetables of pesticides

Dear EarthTalk: What’s the most effective way to remove pesticide residues from fruits and vegetables that I buy at the supermarket? —R.L.J., Kansas City, KS

For many decades now, pesticides have been a vital tool for farmers to ensure that their harvests aren’t overgrown by weeds or eaten by pests. As a result, pesticides remain prevalent today, in spite of the many health risks that pesticide residues still pose to people consuming fruits and vegetables. It’s worth noting that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has placed limits on the amount of pesticide residue found on produce—called “tolerances”—to ensure that people will most likely not be impacted by harmful “persistent organic pollutants” (POPs) such as glyphosate and atrazine. However, it’s still important to make individual efforts to clean produce to further protect your personal health and safety.

A recent report from the American Chemical Society analyzed data provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and found that 20 percent of 59 different produce categories posed significant health risks to consumers despite current pesticide limits. The researchers developed new methods for finding and removing traces of pesticides from produce, as they found that traditional methods of cleaning produce were insufficient. Most notably, the report posits that pesticides go beyond the produce’s surface to leach into the food, meaning that washing may not be as effective. Further research is needed to determine the full risks and implications of current pesticide limits. Regardless, all produce should be cleaned thoroughly before consumption.

There are varied opinions on the best methods for removing pesticide residues from produce, and no method is 100 percent effective. Rinsing produce is somewhat helpful for cleaning off dirt and germs, but soaking their fruits and vegetables in warm vinegar or salt solutions may be better; however, some sources claim that exposure to these solutions may allow chemicals to form more complex, equally dangerous chemical compounds, so always follow soaking with thorough rinsing. Finally, peeling or boiling produce can be highly effective in removing residues, though you will suffer a loss of nutrients.

Of course, the only way to significantly reduce your exposure to food-borne synthetic chemicals is by buying organic, as organic foods are not grown with the assistance of hazardous pesticides. You might have to pay a little more, but isn’t your health and peace of mind worth it?


EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Lakeville Journal and The Journal does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

Wake Robin developers reapply with P&Z
Wake Robin Inn is located on Sharon Road in Lakeville.
Photo by John Coston

LAKEVILLE — ARADEV LLC, the developer behind the proposed redesign of Wake Robin Inn, returned before Salisbury’s Planning and Zoning Commission at its May 5 regular meeting with a 644-page plan that it says scales back the project.

ARADEV withdrew its previous application last December after a six-round public hearing in which neighbors along Wells Hill Road and Sharon Road rallied against the proposal as detrimental to the neighborhood.

Keep ReadingShow less
Housatonic lax wins 18-6 versus Lakeview
Chloe Hill, left, scored once in the game against Lakeview High School Tuesday, May 7.
Photo by Riley Klein

FALLS VILLAGE — Housatonic Valley Regional High School girls lacrosse kept rolling Tuesday, May 6, with a decisive 18-6 win over Lakeview High School.

Eight different players scored for Housatonic in the Northwest Corner rivalry matchup. Sophomore Georgie Clayton led the team with five goals.

Keep ReadingShow less
Troutbeck Symposium 2025: the latest chapter in continuing a vital legacy

Participating students and teachers gathered for the traditional photo at the 2025 Troutbeck Symposium on Thursday, May 1.

Leila Hawken

Students and educators from throughout the region converged at Troutbeck in Amenia for a three-day conference to present historical research projects undertaken collaboratively by students with a common focus on original research into their chosen topics. Area independent schools and public schools participated in the conference that extended from Wednesday, April 30 to Friday, May 2.

The symposium continues the Troutbeck legacy as a decades-old gathering place for pioneers in social justice and reform. Today it is a destination luxury country inn, but Troutbeck remains conscious of its significant place in history.

Keep ReadingShow less
Roaring Oaks Florist launches self-serve flower market

Terence S. Miller, owner of Roaring Oaks Florist in the new self-serve area of the shop.

Natalia Zukerman

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Roaring Oaks Florist in Lakeville has launched a new self-serve flower station next to its Main Street shop, offering high-quality, grab-and-go bouquets from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week — including Sundays when the main store is closed.

Owner Terence S. Miller, who bought the shop 24 years ago at just 20 years old, calls the new feature “a modern twist on an old-school honor system,” with some high-tech updates.

Keep ReadingShow less