Chinese farmers have said there is no available water for crops except “dirty water.” As part of the country’s industrial prowess, it is also one of the largest producers (and consumers) of fertilizers and pesticides, Water Politics reported. The site noted further that as China’s industrial might grows, so too does the level of contaminants in the country’s water supply. Lakes, rivers, streams and falling water tables are becoming more polluted by the year.

In addition to man-made pollutants, animals produce about 90 percent of the organic pollutants and half of the nitrogen in China’s water, say experts at the Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning. There are times when water is so polluted it turns black – yet it is still used to irrigate crops, and of course, that affects so-called organic farming operations as well.

These nine foods are particularly vulnerable to becoming tainted, Natural Health 365 noted:

Fish: Some 80 percent of the tilapia sold in the US come from fish farms in China, as well as half the cod. Water pollution in China is a horrible problem, so any fish grown there are suspect.

Chicken: Poultry produced in China is very often plagued with illnesses like avian flu.

Apples and apple juice: Only recently has the US moved to allow the importation of Chinese apples, though American producers grow plenty for the country and the world.

Rice: Though this is a staple in China and much of the rice in the US comes from there, some of it has been found to be made of resin and potato.

Mushrooms: Some 34 percent of processed mushrooms come from China.

Salt: Some salt produced in China for industrial uses has made its way to American dinner tables.

Black pepper: One Chinese vendor was trying to pass off mud flakes as pepper.

Green peas: Phony peas have been found in China made of soy, green dye and other questionable substances.

Garlic: About one-third of all garlic in the US comes from China.