Pesticides allow farmers to produce enough food to keep up with the rising population, but their benefits come with a cost to human health. Though there are government limits on the allowable amount of pesticides on produce sold for consumption, there are typically still detectable levels of pesticides on the surfaces of produce. Up to 82% of imported fruit contain pesticides. Other imported produce have similar levels of pesticide contamination. Although the consumption of pesticides at these government limits are deemed safe, long-term exposure to pesticides can have devastating effects on human health.
Based on the USDA annual Pesticide Data Program Summary, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a consumer health advocacy organization, published their “Dirty Dozen PlusTM” 2012 list of fruits and vegetables found to contain the highest levels of pesticides:
- Apples
- Celery
- Sweet Bell Peppers
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Nectarines (imported)
- Grapes
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Cucumbers
- Blueberries
- Potatoes
- Green beans
- Kale/Greens
ANP Health has developed two products for the detection of pesticides in fruits and vegetables.
- NIDS® Rapid Pesticide Test for Professional Use (ACE II)
- ACE II is ideal for professional use to ensure pesticide-free produce and includes tests as well as a handheld reader.
- Learn more
- NIDS® Rapid Pesticide Test for Home Use (ACE III-C)
- The ACE III Test can be used at home as a fast, easy test for pesticides in produce as well as other mediums such as drinking water, food, tea, and wine.
- Learn more
Click here for ACE II test procedure details