Organic Food’s Most Wanted: Kale Joins the Dirty Dozen

Every year the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases a list known as the “Dirty Dozen”, which outlines the twelve types of produce that contain the highest level of pesticide contamination.

The list is compiled from the results of testing done by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to identify pesticide residues.

Kale – The latest offender

Earlier this year, EWG released their updated Dirty Dozen list for 2019. Kale, the often-hailed superfood, found its way onto the list for the first time since 2009 at position #3!

Studies show that over 92% of kale samples were found to have two or more pesticide residues, with a single piece of kale containing up to 18 pesticides on it.

Why does this matter?

Pesticides are designed to wipe out living organisms, so it shouldn’t be a shock that consuming them has the potential to pose health risks. Studies have linked pesticide consumption to cancer, neurodevelopmental issues, hormone disruption, as well as eye and lunch issues.

While the severity of health concern is generally determined by the level of toxicity within the pesticide’s ingredients, the volume and frequency of consumption can also have a major impact.

The purpose of the Dirty Dozen list is used to educate consumers on which produce items should be purchased organically, to help reduce toxic pesticide consumption.

The certified organic difference

When you buy produce that is certified organic, you are effectively avoiding the consumption of synthetic pesticides; eliminating the worry of the health risks associated with their toxicity.

As a certified organic food vendor ourselves, we use only the freshest organic ingredients in all our products. Our mission is to provide all with food that is truly good, and we are unwilling to cut corners to make this happen.

This includes our kale – used in both our #1Juice and our many salads available in-store.

The key to true health and wellness is a complete understanding of what you’re putting into your body. Using the Dirty Dozen list to know when and how to eat organically is a great step towards achieving this.