This month, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) will celebrate its 25th anniversary at a gala event in San Francisco.  For 23 of those years[1], EWG has devoted extensive resources to releasing its so-called “dirty dozen” list, designed to disparage and raise unfounded fears about the most popular produce items that have been proven healthy and safe.

Over those two decades, many have expressed concerns to EWG about the potential negative impact on produce consumption from the “dirty dozen” list and its surrounding messaging.  Two peer reviewedstudies indicate that this concern was, and is, well-founded.  One study found that when low income consumers were exposed to the “dirty dozen” list messaging, they indicated they were less likely to purchase any produce – organic or conventionally grown.

Since only one in 10 Americans consume enough fruits and veggies each day, the findings of these peer reviewed studies should give EWG some pause.  Especially since the “dirty dozen” list was developed in 1995 to promote the purchase of certain types of produce over others.  Common sense would tell you that if this communication strategy is backfiring and people are less likely to purchase any produce, including organic, it might be time to abandon it and move on.  But, instead EWG stubbornly continues with their annual list release despite the potential negative impact on those who hear their messaging.

But, more importantly, think about the positive influence on produce consumption that EWG could have?  EWG is a mulit-million dollar organization which means they are able to use celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Michelle Pfeiffer, Bonnie Raitt, Zooey Deschanel and Tom Colicchio  of Top Chef fame to carry their message and help them raise money.  As we have stated in previous blog posts, imagine if EWG put their considerable resources toward consistently promoting produce, instead of disparaging it?

We are sure EWG leadership is looking forward to enjoying the back-slapping congratulations during their star-studded anniversary event.  Meanwhile April 2018 marks another anniversary of calling the fruits and veggies farmers work hard to produce every day and feed to their own families “dirty.” This is not only offensive but harmful to public health initiatives that promote healthy eating.  It would be satisfying to attend EWG’s anniversary event and remind people about the food safety commitment of fruit and vegetable farmers. But we can’t afford a ticket.