Step 1 : Introduction to the question "Which food ranks highest in pesticide residue levels?"
...The Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases a list each year of the "dirty dozen" foods which rank highest in pesticide residue. The Group compiles its list using data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The EWG's analysis found pesticide residue contamination on nearly 70 percent of the conventionally grown produce tested. A study by the "Journal of the American Medical Association" determined there is an association between consumption of high-pesticide-residue foods and fertility problems. The EWG recommends consuming organically grown foods to avoid pesticide exposure. Source: EWG.org