THE DIRTY DOZEN

PAN UK Dirty Dozen is an annual list published by the Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) of the fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are most likely to contain multiple pesticide residues, often termed “pesticide cocktails”. PAN UK analyses government data on food testing to identify these high-risk items, helping consumers make more informed shopping decisions and encouraging the reduction of pesticide use. The list is a practical guide to help people choose organic or lower-pesticide options for certain products.

In the UK, pesticide residues in food are overseen jointly by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Together they run the Pesticide Residues in Food (PRiF) monitoring programme, testing hundreds of samples each year for traces of more than 400 different pesticides. The vast majority of samples fall well within the legal Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) set for safety, and where breaches occur, regulators investigate and take action with suppliers. Post-Brexit, Great Britain has made some changes to permitted residue limits—loosening them on certain crops compared with the EU—while Northern Ireland continues to align with EU standards. Campaign groups such as Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) also review the government’s results and highlight produce where multiple residues are commonly found, helping shoppers make more informed choices.

Washing and Reducing Residues at Home

Washing fruit and vegetables remains the simplest way to cut down on residues, dirt and microbes. The FSA advises rinsing produce thoroughly under clean running water, rubbing skins gently with your hands or using a clean brush for firm items like potatoes, carrots or cucumbers. Outer leaves of lettuces, cabbages or brassicas can be discarded to reduce exposure further. Soap, detergent or bleach should never be used. For an extra step, research suggests a short soak in a weak citric acid or baking soda solution (1/2-1 tsp to 500ml water) may help break down some surface pesticides before a final rinse, though these methods don’t affect residues that have penetrated the flesh.

Smart Buying Tips

If your budget allows, consider choosing organic for items known to carry multiple residues in UK testing, such as grapes, berries, citrus fruit, pre-packed salads and some herbs. Conversely, produce with thick skins or peels—like bananas, avocados and onions—tends to show lower residues once prepared. Regardless of source, eating a wide variety of fruit and vegetables remains one of the best defences for long-term health.

For more information about pesticides in food products and supermarket pesticide rankings see pan-uk.org.

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