According to the European Food Safety 2008 report, Germany is the European country with the most products exceeding the legal limits for pesticides. This is true for a range of fruits and vegetables, but the top 10 that most affect our children are highlighted below. Not everybody can afford or find all their greens organically or bio certified. Make sure that you at least buy the following organically, as their non-bio forms have very high pesticide content and should be avoided for your little one.
Top 10 foods to buy organic
Table Grapes
Due to the increasing threat of insect attacks on harvests, vines have come to use an increasing amount of pesticides. Grapes are a tasty and convenient snack for kids, so don’t forget to buy these in the bio section.
Strawberries
It has been a well-publicized fact in the past that strawberries are often cultivated using too many pesticides. Don’t let their bright red colour fool you and opt for something a bit more natural.
Pears
Pears, both fresh and in baby food, can also come with methyl parathion, as well as the OP azinphos-methyl. Beware of the pear!
Peaches
This delicious fruit, often loved by children has repeatedly been reported to exceed the maximum reside levels permitted. This is also true for nectarines, so make sure to always buy these bio.
Apples
“An apple a day, keeps the doctor away”. Apples are an easily found and convenient fruit to give to children, but unfortunately high levels of methyl parathion have been food in both apples and apple sauces.
Oranges
Loved in the form of juice or slices by all children, oranges are a great source of vitamin C. Unfortunately they are also a source of Cypermethrin and Dicofol!
Bell Peppers
There are many varieties of sweet bell peppers and perhaps even more different types of pesticides used on them. Testing ranked sweet bell peppers the vegetable with the most pesticides overall.
Tomatoes
Used in so many meals and recipes thanks to its great summery flavor, tomatoes are also one of the most powerful natural antioxidant. Include lots of tomatoes in your child’s diet, but make sure these are bio.
Mandarines
Mandarins and other fruits originating from the orange family have also proven to contain unacceptable levels of pesticides. Introduce your child to all these varieties but don’t be fooled by the peel, as the pesticides are nontheless in the fruit.
Cucumber
Cut little cucumber sticks and serve with maybe a hummus dip or a garlic and chive sauce. Its easy and always appreciated, but buy your cucumber bio to make sure it's not covered in pesticides.