The Most Contaminated Foods in the Produce Aisle This Year

Apples – particularly their skin – contain a high concentration of the flavonoid quercetin, which has been studied extensively and is shown to inhibit the proliferation of multiple types of cancer including prostate, breast, lung, cervical, and colon. An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but apple-lovers should be aware that the fruit typically contains numerous pesticides, including Diphenylamine or DPA (which has no known toxicity), Thiabendazole (which may be carcinogenic and contain developmental or reproductive toxins), and Pyrimethanil (suspected of being carcinogenic).

Nectarines are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber, among other nutrients. The fruit may help with boosting immunity and lowering blood pressure. The main villain here is formetanate hydrochloride, a neurotoxin.

Pears are known to be good for the digestive system and have anti-inflammatory properties. They may also boost heart health and lower the risk of diabetes. The down side? Some 40% of them have been found to contain Pyrimethanil, a possible carcinogen with suspected toxicity.

Besides being a delicious summertime treat, peaches are full of vitamins and minerals, including a healthy dose of vitamin C and antioxidant polyphenols and carotenoids. They may, however, contain the bee toxins Fludioxonil and Phosmet as well as iprodione, a known carcinogen.

Carotenoids in leafy greens like kale can also boost the body’s antioxidant defenses, helping to prevent cell damage and inhibit the formation of carcinogens. At the same time, ironically, about half the samples tested contained a suspected carcinogen, Dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate, or DCPA.