Do You Know What’s On Your Food?

Sure, you’ve become a label-reading professional and can spot a sugar hidden underneath 15 other ingredients.  You may know what’s IN your food, but do you know what’s ON your food?

Someone Knows What’s On Your Food

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) knows what’s on your food.  Well, at least on the produce you buy.  The EWG is a “non-profit organization non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment.”  These folks publish the list known as “The Dirty Dozen”.  The Dirty Dozen is a list 12 produce foods containing the most pesticide residue.   For years, strawberries and spinach were listed as the worst offenders for pesticide residue.  But these cultivated giants have been unseated by a new Number 1:

What's On Your Food?

That’s right.  The new champion comes in a box or resealable bag!  According to the EWG, this year’s testing found the residue of at least 2 pesticides on the humble raisin.  This result represents at least 9% more residue than what is found on strawberries or spinach.

Should You Be Surprised?

Probably not.  If you look at the complete “Dirty Dozen”, #7 is Grapes.  This is the “parent” food of raisins.

“The Dirty Dozen”:What's On Your Food?

  1. Raisins
  2. Strawberries
  3. Spinach
  4. Kale
  5. Nectarines
  6. Apples
  7. Grapes
  8. Peaches
  9. Cherries
  10. Pears
  11. Tomatoes
  12. Celery

Know Your Grower!

That’s why it’s important to support local farmers and growers and to look for organic when you purchase your produce.  You not only support your local economy, but you help support your family’s health, too!  Read the EWG’s newest “Clean 15 List” to learn which produce passed the ‘pesticide police’.  Learn more about organic farming from this video, courtesy of iFOAM Organics International.

The EWG Knows More, Too!

The EWG also tests, evaluates and lists out other products we use everyday.  Water, cosmetics, sunscreens and even safe cell phone use are put under the EWG microscope.   So learn what’s best for your, your family and the environment.  Find out where your favorite products stand!

Learn More About Holistic Wellness Through A Christian Lens In Our FitBits