"Alarming Pesticide Contamination in US Produce: What Consumers Should Know"

Consumer Reports conducted a comprehensive review of pesticides in US produce and found that 20% of the foods examined, including popular choices like bell peppers, blueberries, green beans, potatoes, and strawberries, posed significant risks due to pesticide residues. The analysis also revealed that organic produce generally presented little to worry about, and that the largest risks were caused by just a few pesticides concentrated in a handful of foods. Consumer Reports recommends choosing low-risk produce, opting for organic when possible, and being cautious with imported fruits and vegetables, especially from Mexico. The organization also suggests that the EPA should take steps to ban the use of organophosphate or carbamate pesticides on food crops to reduce overall pesticide risk.