" Strawberries have officially replaced apples as the most pesticide - ridden produce , according to 2016 Environmental Working Group 's Shopper 's Guide ; around 98 % of all " conventional " strawberry samples surveyed had detectable pesticide residues with 40 % having residues of ten or more pesticides present . Some of the chemicals detected on the fruit are linked to cancer , reproductive and developmental damage , hormone disruption and neurological problems , says the report . China , the Philippines , Mexico , Turkey and Brazil are leading producing countries of strawberries in that order ; strawberries are the fourth highest producing US fruit in terms of value of value , following grapes , oranges and apples . Avocado 's remain at the top of America 's cleanest produce , with less than 1 % of samples showing detectable pesticides .
Strawberries have officially replaced apples as the most pesticide - ridden produce , according to 2016 Environmental Working Group 's Shopper 's Guide ; around 98 % of all " conventional " strawberry samples surveyed had detectable pesticide residues with 40 % having residues of ten or more pesticides present . Some of the chemicals detected on the fruit are linked to cancer , reproductive and developmental damage , hormone disruption and neurological problems , says the report . China , the Philippines , Mexico , Turkey and Brazil are leading producing countries of strawberries in that order ; strawberries are the fourth highest producing US fruit in terms of value of value , following grapes , oranges and apples . Avocado 's remain at the top of America 's cleanest produce , with less than 1 % of samples showing detectable pesticides .