In 2018 we saw media coverage of the so-called “dirty dozen” list decline by 30% from the previous year.  In 2019, we saw another five percent drop in articles and blog posts when the list was released.  In addition, one-sided mainstream media coverage comprised only 25% of the total coverage.  These statistics stand in stark contrast to when the safefruitsandveggies.com website was launched in 2010 and the “dirty dozen” list enjoyed broad one-sided coverage.

This continued decline comes despite the “dirty dozen” list author’s attempt to generate renewed interest in the list by highlighting a new commodity this year.  While it may have seemed like there was more coverage at times, media attention dropped off rapidly leading to another overall decline.

What is contributing to this decline? More reporters and bloggers who examine the “dirty dozen” list are finding that it is scientifically flawed.  Some examples:

Food Network

“The Dirty Dozen list has been convoluted into a message that ‘dirty’ produce should be avoided and that’s a little too alarmist for my liking – especially when you consider that even the amounts of residue on kale and the other fruits and veggies on the list are still considered totally safe.  How much kale would you have to eat to be affected?  Likely more than you would ever even consider – admit you don’t eat that much kale. Based on this pesticide calculator, a woman would need to consume 18,615 servings of kale to be even at the slightest risk.”

Shape Magazine:

“To accurately assess consumer risks from pesticides, one needs to consider three major factors: 1. the amount of residue on the foods, 2. the amount of food consumed, and 3. the toxicity of the pesticides. The methodology used by EWG ignores all three,” said Winter. (Dr. Carl Winter, toxicologist, University of California, Davis).

U.S. News and World Report:

“The media publicizes the (“dirty dozen”) list and unfortunately scares some folks out of enjoying Mother Nature’s finest. As a registered dietitian, I beg you: Don’t let this list prevent you from eating fruits and veggies.”

Good HouseKeeping:

“For example, kale reappearing on the list will likely make headlines, despite the lack of data on whether or not eating high amounts of kale can actually harm to you. Most research suggests the exact opposite, in fact. Kale is linked to reducing your risk of chronic disease and vision loss, lowering blood pressure, and improving bone health.”

WebMD

“The Alliance maintains a pesticide calculator on its companion site, www.safefruitsandveggies.com. According to its calculations, a child could eat 7,446 servings of kale in one day without ill effect, even if it had the highest pesticide residue recorded by the USDA.”

It should be noted that in addition to the “dirty dozen” list lacking scientific credibility, peer reviewed research shows that this list may be negatively impacting purchasing of any produce – organic or conventionally grown.

With only one in 10 Americans eating enough fruits and veggies each day and the potential detrimental impact this list may have on consumers, it is discouraging to see the list authors continue to release it year after year.  But at least attention to the list continues to decline so less and less consumers read about it each year.