6 Fruits And Vegetables That Seem Harmless At First But May Come With High Pesticide Risk

Popping a fresh strawberry or slicing up some crisp bell peppers might feel like a win for your health, but here's a twist: not all fruits and veggies are as clean as they look. Thanks to those over at Consumer Reports, who dove deep into seven years of pesticide data from the Department of Agriculture, we now know that while most produce is pretty safe, some popular picks — six of them — carry a heavy topping of pesticides.

Ready to find out which fruits and veggies made the list, why they’re risky, and how you can keep enjoying them without worry? Let's dig in and maybe even discover a few safer swaps along the way.

1. Blueberries

Around 20% of all the conventionally grown blueberries in the U.S. carry residues of phosmet, a pesticide that’s not exactly BFFs with kids’ health. Frozen ones aren’t in the clear either, posing a very high risk. Opt for organic blueberries, or maybe even swap to organic strawberries to keep things sweet and safe.

2. Watermelon

Love watermelon? Here's a bummer: about 3% of these summer favorites tested had oxamyl residue levels way past the chill zone. If pesticides are a no-go for you, maybe switch your loyalty to cantaloupe for a safer bet.

3. Bell Peppers

Nearly half of the domestic bell peppers come dusted with oxamyl or its byproducts. Since this chemical is notorious for health risks, maybe go organic or just enjoy these crunchy veggies sparingly. Oh, and those fiery hot peppers? They're on the high-risk list too.

4. Potatoes

Here's a shocker: practically all conventional spuds have some chlorpropham, a chemical that keeps them from sprouting eyes while they travel to stores. However, organic potatoes showed some contamination too. But hey, sweet potatoes don’t share this issue and pack a nutritional punch, making them a great alternative.

5. Green Beans

Despite the EPA's ban on acephate for green beans back in 2011, about 4% of samples still show up with this outlawed pesticide or its derivatives. While the chance of grabbing a tainted batch is low, the stakes are high—some levels were alarmingly over the safety limit. To dodge this bullet, you might want to lean towards organic U.S. green beans or even snow peas.

6. Kale and Mustard Greens

These leafy greens can come with a cocktail of pesticides when grown conventionally. If you’re trying to steer clear of chemicals, going organic with kale and mustard greens is a smart move. Other clean green alternatives include broccoli, fresh spinach, or lettuce.