{"sourceUrl":"https://edition.cnn.com/2026/06/09/health/washing-berries-pesticide-wellness?Date=20260609&Profile=CNN&utm_content=1781012901&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter","sourceType":"url","contentType":"Explainer","apex":{"id":"n1","type":"APEX","label":"Reduce Pesticides on Summer Berries","text":"Expert tips provide the best ways to wash summer berries and reduce worrisome or toxic pesticide exposure.","children":[{"id":"n2","type":"CONC","label":"Pesticide Presence on Berries","text":"Popular berries like blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries are often laden with pesticides.","parentId":"n1","children":[{"id":"n3","type":"SUBC","label":"Dirty Dozen Listing","text":"Blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries are listed in the 'Dirty Dozen' for high pesticide levels.","parentId":"n2","children":[{"id":"n4","type":"STAT","label":"2026 Shopper's Guide Source","text":"The information comes from the annual 2026 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.","parentId":"n3","children":[]},{"id":"n5","type":"STAT","label":"EWG Organization Info","text":"The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit health advocacy organization, has produced the guide since 2004.","parentId":"n3","children":[]},{"id":"n6","type":"EXMP","label":"Other Dirty Dozen Produce","text":"The 2026 Dirty Dozen list also includes cherries, apples, pears, grapes, peaches, nectarines, kale, and spinach.","parentId":"n3","children":[]},{"id":"n7","type":"INSG","label":"Berries Consistently in Dirty Dozen","text":"Kid-favorite berries consistently remain in the Dirty Dozen year after year.","parentId":"n3","children":[]},{"id":"n8","type":"SUBC","label":"Raspberry Exception","text":"Raspberries are a bright spot and are not included in the 2026 Dirty Dozen list.","parentId":"n3","children":[{"id":"n9","type":"JUST","label":"Growing Method Reason","text":"Raspberries are excluded from the list partly due to their specific growing methods.","parentId":"n8","children":[]},{"id":"n10","type":"STAT","label":"Raspberry Ranking Near Clean Fifteen","text":"Raspberries rank much closer to EWG’s 'Clean Fifteen' group, which includes fruits and vegetables with the fewest pesticides.","parentId":"n8","children":[]},{"id":"n11","type":"STAT","label":"Raspberry Specific Rank","text":"Raspberries came in at 22 in the EWG rankings.","parentId":"n8","children":[]}]},{"id":"n12","type":"JUST","label":"EWG Data Source","text":"EWG calculates its ratings from testing performed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).","parentId":"n3","children":[]}]},{"id":"n13","type":"CONC","label":"Health Impact of Pesticides","text":"Pesticide exposure is linked to various health issues, though safety levels are debated.","parentId":"n2","children":[{"id":"n14","type":"OPP","label":"Critics' View on Safety Levels","text":"Critics, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), argue that US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benchmark levels for pesticides are too high.","parentId":"n13","children":[{"id":"n15","type":"JUST","label":"Cumulative Exposure Concern","text":"Critics believe current levels fail to address the health impact of long-term, cumulative exposure to multiple pesticides.","parentId":"n14","children":[]},{"id":"n16","type":"STAT","label":"AAP on Pregnancy Risk","text":"According to the AAP, pesticide exposure during pregnancy may increase risks of birth defects, low birth weight, and fetal death.","parentId":"n14","children":[]},{"id":"n17","type":"STAT","label":"AAP on Childhood Risk","text":"Childhood exposure to pesticides has been linked to attention and learning problems, as well as cancer.","parentId":"n14","children":[]},{"id":"n18","type":"STAT","label":"Other Health Associations","text":"Studies associate pesticides with lower sperm concentrations, heart disease, cancer, and increased genetic damage in humans.","parentId":"n14","children":[]}]},{"id":"n19","type":"SUP","label":"Industry View on Safety","text":"The Alliance for Food and Farming states that the mere presence of a residue does not automatically mean something is unsafe.","parentId":"n13","children":[{"id":"n20","type":"JUST","label":"EPA Safety Margins","text":"The EPA sets limits on pesticide residues that already include huge safety margins to protect infants and children.","parentId":"n19","children":[]}]}]},{"id":"n21","type":"CONC","label":"Pesticide Types and Removability","text":"Pesticides are categorized by how they reside on produce, affecting their removability.","parentId":"n2","children":[{"id":"n22","type":"CONC","label":"Surface Pesticide Removability","text":"Many 'contact' pesticides that sit on the surface of a fruit or vegetable can be effectively removed.","parentId":"n21","children":[{"id":"n23","type":"STAT","label":"Source: Peng Gao","text":"This information is provided by Peng Gao, an assistant professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.","parentId":"n22","children":[]}]},{"id":"n24","type":"CONC","label":"Systemic Pesticide Immobility","text":"'Systemic' pesticides are absorbed through a plant's roots and leaves, becoming part of the fruit and cannot be washed off.","parentId":"n21","children":[{"id":"n25","type":"DCSN","label":"Buy Organic for Systemic Pesticides","text":"If concerned about pesticides, buying organic versions of the most pesticide-laden produce, including berries, is the best solution if affordable.","parentId":"n24","children":[{"id":"n26","type":"JUST","label":"Organic Farming Practice","text":"Organic farming prohibits most synthetic pesticides, often using naturally derived alternatives.","parentId":"n25","children":[]},{"id":"n27","type":"DETL","label":"Organic Contamination Risk","text":"Wind and water runoff from neighboring conventional farms can occasionally contaminate organic farms, potentially leading to organic license loss.","parentId":"n25","children":[]},{"id":"n28","type":"STAT","label":"Organic Diet Effect","text":"Studies show that eating more organic foods decreased pesticide levels in people's bodies by up to 95% in days.","parentId":"n25","children":[]},{"id":"n29","type":"INSG","label":"Organic Food for Children","text":"Experts say feeding a child organic food from the start can dramatically reduce risk.","parentId":"n25","children":[]}]}]}]}]},{"id":"n30","type":"CONC","label":"Washing Methods for Produce","text":"Specific washing methods can reduce contact pesticides if organic options are not available.","parentId":"n1","children":[{"id":"n31","type":"DCSN","label":"Alternative Wash Methods","text":"For those unable to afford organic produce, a short soak in baking soda or vinegar can reduce contact pesticide levels.","parentId":"n30","children":[{"id":"n32","type":"STAT","label":"EWG Report Source","text":"This method is supported by a peer-reviewed April report by EWG scientists.","parentId":"n31","children":[]},{"id":"n33","type":"DETL","label":"EWG Review Scope","text":"The EWG review analyzed 47 studies globally on various produce washing methods, including tap water.","parentId":"n31","children":[]},{"id":"n34","type":"STAT","label":"Tap Water Effectiveness","text":"Rinsing or soaking in water showed the lowest median pesticide reduction of about 30%.","parentId":"n31","children":[]},{"id":"n35","type":"STAT","label":"Baking Soda/Vinegar Effectiveness","text":"Soaking with vinegar or baking soda achieved the highest median pesticide reduction, around 50%, across all pesticides and produce.","parentId":"n31","children":[]},{"id":"n36","type":"STAT","label":"Source: Yoshira Ornelas Van Horne","text":"Yoshira Ornelas Van Horne, an assistant professor at UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, affirmed these findings.","parentId":"n31","children":[]},{"id":"n37","type":"DETL","label":"Van Horne's Role","text":"Yoshira Ornelas Van Horne was not involved with the EWG review.","parentId":"n31","children":[]}]},{"id":"n38","type":"SUBC","label":"General Produce Washing Instructions","text":"Follow specific steps for washing produce, especially berries, to maximize pesticide removal and prevent spoilage.","parentId":"n30","children":[{"id":"n39","type":"DETL","label":"Baking Soda Ratio/Time for Most Produce","text":"Use one teaspoon of baking soda per two cups of water and soak most produce for five to ten minutes.","parentId":"n38","children":[]},{"id":"n40","type":"JUST","label":"Baking Soda Mechanism","text":"The mildly alkaline baking soda solution helps degrade many contact pesticides on the surface.","parentId":"n38","children":[]},{"id":"n41","type":"DETL","label":"Berry Soak Time","text":"Berries only require soaking for one to two minutes due to their high water content and thin skin.","parentId":"n38","children":[]},{"id":"n42","type":"JUST","label":"Reason for Berry Soak Time","text":"Berries' high water content and thin skin absorb solutions, meaning shorter soak times are needed.","parentId":"n38","children":[]},{"id":"n43","type":"DCSN","label":"Wash Berries Before Eating","text":"Berries should be soaked immediately before eating, as washing and storing hastens spoilage.","parentId":"n38","children":[]},{"id":"n44","type":"DETL","label":"Vinegar Ratio","text":"For vinegar, use one part white household vinegar to three or four parts water, noting it might impact taste.","parentId":"n38","children":[]},{"id":"n45","type":"DETL","label":"Vinegar Soak Time for Most Produce","text":"Most produce, except berries, can soak in vinegar solution for five to ten minutes.","parentId":"n38","children":[]},{"id":"n46","type":"DETL","label":"Vinegar Soak Time for Berries","text":"Berries should only soak in vinegar solution for one to two minutes.","parentId":"n38","children":[]},{"id":"n47","type":"DETL","label":"Removal Technique","text":"Lift produce out of the bowl to leave dirt at the bottom, rather than pouring.","parentId":"n38","children":[]},{"id":"n48","type":"DETL","label":"Rinsing Step","text":"Rinse all washed produce well under cool running water.","parentId":"n38","children":[]},{"id":"n49","type":"DETL","label":"Drying Step","text":"Pat dry immediately after rinsing to avoid flavor and texture changes.","parentId":"n38","children":[]}]},{"id":"n50","type":"DCSN","label":"Wash Before Peeling","text":"All produce, including organic, should be washed before peeling to prevent dirt and bacteria transfer.","parentId":"n30","children":[]},{"id":"n51","type":"DETL","label":"Hard Produce Prep","text":"Produce with hard coatings should be scrubbed or peeled before eating, according to the US Food and Drug Administration.","parentId":"n30","children":[]}]},{"id":"n52","type":"CONC","label":"Berry-Specific Washing and Pesticides","text":"Each berry type has unique pesticide concerns and recommended washing approaches.","parentId":"n1","children":[{"id":"n53","type":"SUBC","label":"Blackberries","text":"Blackberries often contain multiple pesticide residues, some of which are systemic and toxic.","parentId":"n52","children":[{"id":"n54","type":"STAT","label":"2024 USDA Data Findings","text":"The latest 2024 USDA testing found nonorganic blackberries had four pesticide residues on average.","parentId":"n53","children":[]},{"id":"n55","type":"STAT","label":"Blackberry Max Pesticides in one sample","text":"One blackberry sample tested positive for 14 different pesticides.","parentId":"n53","children":[]},{"id":"n56","type":"STAT","label":"Cypermethrin Presence","text":"Cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid and possible human carcinogen, was detected on nearly half of all blackberry samples.","parentId":"n53","children":[]},{"id":"n57","type":"STAT","label":"Bifenthrin Presence","text":"Bifenthrin, another pyrethroid deemed safe by EPA under typical use, was found on 30% of blackberry samples.","parentId":"n53","children":[]},{"id":"n58","type":"INSG","label":"Bifenthrin Concern (PFAS)","text":"Bifenthrin is a PFAS 'forever' pesticide, raising additional health concerns.","parentId":"n53","children":[]},{"id":"n59","type":"STAT","label":"PFAS Health Links (EPA)","text":"Legacy PFAS, manufactured since the 1940s, are linked to cancer, obesity, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, decreased fertility, liver damage, hormone disruption, and immune system damage.","parentId":"n53","children":[]},{"id":"n60","type":"DETL","label":"Blackberry Washing Tip (Drying)","text":"Blackberries hold up well to washing, but thorough drying is crucial to prevent spoilage.","parentId":"n53","children":[]},{"id":"n61","type":"STAT","label":"Pyrethroid Health Links","text":"Pyrethroid insecticides cross the placenta and are linked to behavioral and attention deficit disorders in children.","parentId":"n53","children":[]},{"id":"n62","type":"STAT","label":"Cypermethrin Mechanism","text":"Cypermethrin disrupts thyroid hormones, which are critical for brain development.","parentId":"n53","children":[]},{"id":"n63","type":"STAT","label":"Malathion Presence","text":"Malathion was found on 14% of blackberry samples.","parentId":"n53","children":[]},{"id":"n64","type":"DETL","label":"Malathion Type/Mechanism","text":"Malathion is an organophosphate pesticide that interferes with the normal nervous system function of insects and humans.","parentId":"n53","children":[]},{"id":"n65","type":"STAT","label":"Malathion Health Links","text":"Malathion has been linked to human neurodevelopmental disorders.","parentId":"n53","children":[]},{"id":"n66","type":"INSG","label":"Actionable for Surface Pesticides","text":"Consumers can take action against surface pesticides like malathion and pyrethroids.","parentId":"n53","children":[]},{"id":"n67","type":"JUST","label":"Malathion/Pyrethroids Washable","text":"Malathion and pyrethroids are surface chemicals that respond well to washing.","parentId":"n53","children":[]},{"id":"n68","type":"DETL","label":"Blackberry Specific Wash Instruction","text":"A 30- to 60-second dip in 1% baking soda (1 teaspoon per 2 cups cool water), followed by a cool-water rinse and immediate drying, is recommended.","parentId":"n53","children":[]},{"id":"n69","type":"STAT","label":"Systemic Pesticide Presence","text":"Two highly toxic systemic chemicals, methamidophos and acephate, were found on 3% of blackberry samples.","parentId":"n53","children":[]},{"id":"n70","type":"STAT","label":"Methamidophos Details","text":"Methamidophos, a potent neurotoxin, has been banned in the United States since 2009 but appears on imported produce.","parentId":"n53","children":[]},{"id":"n71","type":"DETL","label":"Acephate Details","text":"The EPA is taking action on acephate, which degrades into methamidophos.","parentId":"n53","children":[]},{"id":"n72","type":"STAT","label":"Origin of Systemic Pesticides","text":"USDA testing found methamidophos and acephate only on blackberries imported from Mexico.","parentId":"n53","children":[]},{"id":"n73","type":"DCSN","label":"Avoid Imported Blackberries","text":"To avoid exposure to certain systemic pesticides, buy US-grown or organic blackberries.","parentId":"n53","children":[]}]},{"id":"n74","type":"SUBC","label":"Blueberries","text":"Blueberries frequently contain systemic pesticides that cannot be removed by washing.","parentId":"n52","children":[{"id":"n75","type":"STAT","label":"Prevalent Systemic Pesticides","text":"Boscalid (46% of samples) and acetamiprid (36% of samples) are the two most prevalent systemic residues found on blueberries.","parentId":"n74","children":[]},{"id":"n76","type":"INSG","label":"Blueberry Washing Challenge","text":"Since boscalid and acetamiprid are systemic, washing cannot effectively remove them from blueberries.","parentId":"n74","children":[]},{"id":"n77","type":"INSG","label":"Acetamiprid Greater Concern","text":"Of the two, acetamiprid is considered more concerning from a human-health standpoint.","parentId":"n74","children":[]},{"id":"n78","type":"DETL","label":"Acetamiprid Type/History","text":"Acetamiprid is a neonicotinoid modeled after nicotine, historically used as rat poison and insecticide since the 1600s.","parentId":"n74","children":[]},{"id":"n79","type":"DETL","label":"Acetamiprid Mechanism","text":"Acetamiprid targets an insect’s nervous system, causing paralysis and death.","parentId":"n74","children":[]},{"id":"n80","type":"STAT","label":"Acetamiprid Health Links","text":"Animal studies indicate neurotoxicity to offspring from acetamiprid exposure.","parentId":"n74","children":[]},{"id":"n81","type":"STAT","label":"EFSA Acetamiprid Recommendation","text":"In 2024, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) called for a fivefold reduction in acetamiprid safety levels, dropping the acceptable daily intake from 0.025 to 0.005 mg/kg body weight/day.","parentId":"n74","children":[]},{"id":"n82","type":"DETL","label":"EPA Acetamiprid Stance","text":"The EPA currently considers acetamiprid safe at current safety levels.","parentId":"n74","children":[]},{"id":"n83","type":"DETL","label":"Boscalid Details","text":"Boscalid is a possible endocrine-disrupting fungicide with 'suggestive evidence of carcinogenicity' according to EPA, though insufficient for human assessment.","parentId":"n74","children":[]},{"id":"n84","type":"DETL","label":"EFSA Boscalid Reconsideration","text":"The EFSA is currently reconsidering boscalid's status as an allowable pesticide.","parentId":"n74","children":[]},{"id":"n85","type":"STAT","label":"Contact Pesticides on Blueberries","text":"Blueberries contain contact pesticides including cypermethrin (23% of samples), bifenthrin (19%), phosmet, and malathion.","parentId":"n74","children":[]},{"id":"n86","type":"STAT","label":"Imidacloprid Presence","text":"Another systemic neonicotinoid, imidacloprid, was found on 14% of blueberry samples.","parentId":"n74","children":[]},{"id":"n87","type":"DETL","label":"Imidacloprid Safety","text":"Current safety levels for imidacloprid are considered adequate by experts.","parentId":"n74","children":[]},{"id":"n88","type":"DETL","label":"Blueberry Soak Time","text":"Soak blueberries for one to two minutes, a longer period than blackberries, due to their tougher outer skin.","parentId":"n74","children":[]},{"id":"n89","type":"DETL","label":"Blueberry Rinsing/Drying","text":"After soaking, thoroughly rinse blueberries with cool water and dry them on a clean towel.","parentId":"n74","children":[]},{"id":"n90","type":"DCSN","label":"Blueberry Alternatives","text":"For concerns about acetamiprid, buying organic or wild lowbush blueberries (grown with less spraying) is a practical option.","parentId":"n74","children":[]}]},{"id":"n91","type":"SUBC","label":"Strawberries","text":"Strawberries are exposed to concerning systemic and contact fungicides, some linked to reproductive toxicity.","parentId":"n52","children":[{"id":"n92","type":"STAT","label":"Carbendazim Presence","text":"USDA testing found carbendazim, a fungicide, on over 16% of strawberries tested.","parentId":"n91","children":[]},{"id":"n93","type":"STAT","label":"Bifenthrin on Strawberries","text":"Bifenthrin, a PFAS pyrethroid, was found on 29% of strawberry samples.","parentId":"n91","children":[]},{"id":"n94","type":"STAT","label":"Carbendazim Concern","text":"Carbendazim is banned in the European Union due to reproductive and developmental toxicity issues and is highly concerning for human health on strawberries.","parentId":"n91","children":[]},{"id":"n95","type":"DETL","label":"Carbendazim Removability","text":"Carbendazim is partly systemic; its surface fraction can be washed off, but the absorbed fraction cannot.","parentId":"n91","children":[]},{"id":"n96","type":"DETL","label":"Other Fungicides of Concern","text":"Strawberries are also exposed to additional fungicides of concern.","parentId":"n91","children":[]},{"id":"n97","type":"STAT","label":"Boscalid on Strawberries","text":"Boscalid, a systemic endocrine-disrupting fungicide, is one such fungicide and is being reevaluated by the EPA.","parentId":"n91","children":[]},{"id":"n98","type":"STAT","label":"Fludioxonil Presence/Purpose","text":"Fludioxonil, a systemic PFAS pesticide, is added to produce after harvest to stop mold and mildew.","parentId":"n91","children":[]},{"id":"n99","type":"STAT","label":"Fludioxonil Health Links","text":"Fludioxonil has killed human cells and damaged DNA in laboratory tests.","parentId":"n91","children":[]},{"id":"n100","type":"STAT","label":"EFSA Fludioxonil View","text":"The European Food Safety Authority considers fludioxonil an endocrine-disrupting chemical that has harmed the reproductive system in animals.","parentId":"n91","children":[]},{"id":"n101","type":"STAT","label":"Source: Varun Subramaniam","text":"This information was previously shared by Varun Subramaniam, an EWG science analyst.","parentId":"n91","children":[]},{"id":"n102","type":"STAT","label":"Fludioxonil Levels on Other Produce","text":"A March 2025 EWG investigation found fludioxonil at over 1 part per million on lemons, followed by peaches, nectarines, pears, plums, blueberries, and apricots.","parentId":"n91","children":[]},{"id":"n103","type":"STAT","label":"Fludioxonil Prevalence","text":"USDA data shows fludioxonil was found on 90% of tested nectarines, peaches, and plums.","parentId":"n91","children":[]},{"id":"n104","type":"DETL","label":"EPA Stance on Fludioxonil","text":"The EPA states that fungicides like Fludioxonil ensure America's food supply is safe, abundant, and affordable, evaluating pesticides with gold-standard science.","parentId":"n91","children":[]},{"id":"n105","type":"DETL","label":"Baking Soda Fludioxonil Effect","text":"Baking soda only dislodges surface fludioxonil and does not chemically degrade it.","parentId":"n91","children":[]},{"id":"n106","type":"DCSN","label":"No Strawberry Soaking","text":"Strawberries should not be soaked.","parentId":"n91","children":[]},{"id":"n107","type":"DETL","label":"Strawberry Specific Wash Instruction","text":"Give strawberries a brief 30- to 60-second dip in the baking soda solution, rinse well, and dry immediately.","parentId":"n91","children":[]},{"id":"n108","type":"DCSN","label":"Hull After Washing","text":"Remove the green leafy top after washing strawberries, not before.","parentId":"n91","children":[]},{"id":"n109","type":"JUST","label":"Reason for Hulling After","text":"Hulling first creates a cut surface through which washing solutions and dissolved residues can be drawn into the strawberry flesh.","parentId":"n91","children":[]}]},{"id":"n110","type":"SUBC","label":"Raspberries","text":"Raspberries carry smaller pesticide doses compared to other berries, making them a lower-exposure substitute.","parentId":"n52","children":[{"id":"n111","type":"DETL","label":"Raspberry Pesticide Types","text":"Pesticide residues found on raspberries tend to belong to the same chemistry families (pyrethroids, organophosphates, neonicotinoids) as other berries.","parentId":"n110","children":[]},{"id":"n112","type":"INSG","label":"Raspberry Pesticide Difference","text":"The key difference for raspberries is the lower prevalence of pesticide residues, not the nature of the compounds.","parentId":"n110","children":[]},{"id":"n113","type":"INSG","label":"Raspberry as Substitute","text":"Raspberries are a reasonable lower-exposure substitute for children who love berries.","parentId":"n110","children":[]},{"id":"n114","type":"DETL","label":"Raspberry Specific Wash Instruction","text":"Wash raspberries with a 30- to 60-second brief dip in the baking soda solution, an easy rinse under cool water, and a careful pat dry.","parentId":"n110","children":[]}]}]}]},"slug":"httpseditioncnncom20260609healthwashingb-057342","sharedAt":{"_seconds":1781026636,"_nanoseconds":860000000},"title":"Get more pesticides off summer berries with these expert tips"}