Experts Urge 1- to 2-Minute Berry Soaks After 2026 Dirty Dozen Flags Strawberries, Blueberries
Updated
Updated · CNN · Jun 9
Experts Urge 1- to 2-Minute Berry Soaks After 2026 Dirty Dozen Flags Strawberries, Blueberries
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Jun 9
Summary
EWG’s 2026 “Dirty Dozen” again placed strawberries, blueberries and blackberries among produce with the heaviest pesticide residues, prompting experts to recommend targeted washing steps for families with children.
A baking-soda or vinegar soak cut surface pesticide residues by about 50% in a review of 47 studies, versus roughly 30% for water alone, though systemic pesticides absorbed into the fruit cannot be washed away.
For berries, experts advised short soaks only: blackberries and raspberries for 30 to 60 seconds in 1 teaspoon baking soda per 2 cups water, blueberries for 1 to 2 minutes, and strawberries a brief dip without hulling first.
USDA’s 2024 testing found notable residues across berries, including cypermethrin on nearly half of blackberry samples, boscalid on 46% of blueberry samples and carbendazim on more than 16% of strawberries.
Organic remains the most effective way to reduce exposure when affordable—studies cited in the report found pesticide levels in people’s bodies fell by up to 95% within days after switching to more organic foods.