In this episode, Sean breaks down the latest versions of the Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen, two major lists that rank fruits and vegetables by pesticide residue levels and toxicity. We look at what changed this year, why some produce made the “clean” list, and why others still carry multiple pesticide residues even after washing. Sean explains how these findings affect everyday shoppers, how to reduce exposure on any budget, and why eating more fruits and vegetables is still one of the most powerful steps anyone can take toward better health.
Opening: Why These Lists Matter
- How pesticide residues continue to show up on produce
- Why toxicity matters as much as detection
- The data behind the rankings
- A reminder that the goal is awareness, not fear
Segment 1: The Clean Fifteen
- The 2025 list of produce with the lowest residues
- Why bananas and cauliflower joined for the first time
- Nearly 60 percent of samples had no detectable pesticides
- Which items consistently rank safest
Segment 2: The Dirty Dozen
- The 2025 list of the highest-scoring produce for pesticide load
- Why spinach, strawberries, greens, and grapes remain at the top
- Potatoes and blackberries join with new data
- What “multiple residues” really means
Segment 3: Why Pesticides Remain on Produce
- When and why chemicals are applied
- Evidence of hormonal, neurological, and reproductive impacts
- Why mixtures are more concerning than single pesticides
- Increased concerns for children and pregnant individuals
Segment 4: How to Shop Smart
- Simple steps to lower pesticide exposure
- Frozen organic options as budget-friendly swaps
- Washing tips and common myths
- Balanced guidance for Pre-Vegans and long-time Vegans
Closing
- Encouragement to stay informed, not overwhelmed
- Reminder that produce is essential for health
- Call to action to explore more conscious eating tools at VegansExplore.com
Featured Lists
About the Show
The Vegans Explore Podcast is on a mission to record a new episode every day until November 1, 2026, spotlighting Vegan topics, changemakers, nonprofits, and brands from around the world. Explore additional episodes.
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