Most contaminated vegetables in the uk

The Pesticide Action Group (PAN) in the UK has produced a comprehensive list of the main fruit and veg that are contaminated. They have a large amount of information at there wibesite

You can find them here: Pesticide Action Group (PAN) Website

The list, compiled from government residue testing and independent analyses, highlights the fruits and vegetables most likely to contain multiple pesticide residues. Below is an ordered list from most to least contaminated, with the main pesticide types commonly found on them.

Most to Least Contaminated

1. Strawberries

• • Frequently contain residues of 7–8 different pesticides per sample
• Main pesticides: Neonicotinoids (e.g., acetamiprid), sulfoxaflor (insecticide), trifloxystrobin (fungicide), PFAS pesticides
  • .

• Spinach

• High levels of pesticide residues, including PFAS pesticides and neonicotinoids
• Main pesticides: Sulfoxaflor, tau-fluvalinate, neonicotinoids, PFAS pesticides
  • .

• Kale, Collard, and Mustard Greens

• Over 100 different pesticides detected across samples
• Main pesticides: Neonicotinoids, various fungicides and insecticides
  • .

• Grapes

• 84–87% of samples had residues of two or more pesticides
• Main pesticides: Neonicotinoids, tetraconazole (fungicide), sulfoxaflor, PFAS pesticides
  • .

• Peaches

• Multiple pesticide residues detected
• Main pesticides: Trifloxystrobin, sulfoxaflor, neonicotinoids
  • .

• Pears

• Frequently contain multiple residues
• Main pesticides: Neonicotinoids, sulfoxaflor, fungicides
  • .

• Nectarines

• Multiple pesticide residues, including fungicides and insecticides
• Main pesticides: Trifloxystrobin, sulfoxaflor, neonicotinoids
  • .

• Apples

• High in pesticide residues, including PFAS pesticides
• Main pesticides: Neonicotinoids, sulfoxaflor, tetraconazole, PFAS pesticides

• Bell and Hot Peppers

• Over 100 different pesticides detected
• Main pesticides: Neonicotinoids, various insecticides and fungicides
  • .

• Cherries

• High likelihood of multiple residues
• Main pesticides: Sulfoxaflor, tau-fluvalinate, trifloxystrobin, PFAS pesticides
  • .

• Blueberries

• Multiple pesticide residues detected
• Main pesticides: Neonicotinoids, fungicides
  • .

• Green Beans

• Multiple pesticide residues detected
• Main pesticides: Sulfoxaflor, tetraconazole, trifloxystrobin, PFAS pesticides

1. - .

Additional Common UK Vegetables with Notable Pesticide Residues

• Tomatoes: Often contain residues of multiple pesticides, including pyridalyl (insecticide), trifloxystrobin (fungicide), and PFAS pesticides
• Celery: Known for high levels of pesticide residues, often systemic
• Potatoes, Peas, Beans, Lettuce, Cauliflower, Herbs: All found with detectable residues, sometimes above accepted levels; main pesticides include neonicotinoids, fungicides, and PFAS pesticides

• .

Main Pesticide Types Detected

• Neonicotinoids: Acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam

• PFAS pesticides: Including sulfoxaflor, trifloxystrobin, tetraconazole, tau-fluvalinate, pyridalyl
• Fungicides: Trifloxystrobin, tetraconazole
• Other insecticides: Sulfoxaflor, tau-fluvalinate, pyridalyl
• Systemic pesticides: Remain inside the produce, not just on the surface

Summary Table: Most to Least Contaminated

Note: Washing and peeling can reduce some surface residues, but many pesticides are systemic and remain inside the produce