Often times buying organic can be so expensive it deters would-be consumers from purchasing organic products. Although, the prices of organic products are continually falling, they still remain higher than products from our regular markets. In our current economy with prices already out of control, the last thing parents would want to do is put an added financial burden on their family by switching to higher priced organic groceries. The following list contains the produce with the highest levels of pesticide contamination.

1) Nectarines – 97.3% of nectarines sampled were found to contain pesticides.
2) Celery – 94.5% of celery sampled were found to contain pesticides.
3) Pears – 94.4% of pears sampled were found to contain pesticides.
4) Peaches – 93.7% of peaches sampled were found to contain pesticides.
5) Apples – 91% of apples sampled were found to contain pesticides.
6) Cherries – 91% of cherries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
7) Strawberries – 90% of strawberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
8) Imported Grapes – 86% of imported grapes (i.e.
Chile) sampled were found to contain pesticides.
9) Spinach – 83.4% of spinach sampled were found to contain pesticides.
10) Potatoes – 79.3% of potatoes sampled were found to contain pesticides.
11) Bell Peppers – 68% of bell peppers sampled were found to contain pesticides.
12) Red Raspberries – 59% of red raspberries sampled were found to contain

The following list is based on information and studies by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Consumer Reports, and the Environmental Working Group.

The answer to poll question: A product that bares the organic label is D) All the above (it doesn't contain growth hormones, it doesn't contain genetically modified ingredients and it is processed without the use of pesticides or fertilizers)