"The Dirty Dozen" refers to a list published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) that highlights fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues. Each year, the EWG analyzes data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to identify produce items that consumers may want to buy organic to reduce pesticide exposure. The list typically includes items like strawberries, spinach, and kale, which have been found to contain significant levels of harmful chemicals. The goal of the Dirty Dozen is to inform consumers about potential risks and encourage healthier choices when shopping for produce.