A new study from the Environmental Working Group finds that consuming more fruits and vegetables with higher pesticide residues, such as strawberries, spinach, and bell peppers, correlates with increased pesticide levels in urine. The research underscores diet as a primary exposure route while emphasizing the health benefits of produce. Findings highlight needs for better monitoring of cumulative pesticide effects.
Researchers at the Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzed data to assess how dietary choices influence pesticide exposure. The study, published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health in 2025, used U.S. Department of Agriculture residue data from 2013 to 2018, combined with dietary surveys and urine samples from 1,837 participants in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2015 to 2016.
Scientists created a dietary pesticide exposure score based on produce types, residue frequencies, amounts, and chemical toxicities. They compared this to 15 urinary biomarkers for organophosphates, pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids. Results showed strong associations: individuals eating more high-residue produce had higher biomarker levels than those favoring lower-residue options.
"The findings reinforce that what we eat directly affects the level of pesticides in our bodies," said Alexis Temkin, Ph.D., EWG's vice president for science and lead author. "Eating produce is essential to a healthy diet, but it can also increase exposure to pesticides."
The analysis revealed produce tested by the USDA contained residues of 178 pesticides, but NHANES monitored only 42 with matching biomarkers, indicating potential gaps in exposure tracking. Removing potatoes from the dataset clarified the diet-exposure link, as their varied consumption forms complicated estimates.
Pesticides are associated with cancer, reproductive issues, hormone disruption, and child nervous system harm, per prior research. The study notes that Environmental Protection Agency standards focus on single pesticides, not mixtures common on produce. "Young children and pregnant people are particularly susceptible," Temkin added.
EWG advocates for organic choices to reduce exposure, especially for high-residue items in its Shopper’s Guide. "This study was only possible thanks to robust federal data," said Varun Subramaniam, EWG science analyst, stressing the value of public health monitoring.
