IFPA urges shift from fear to facts on produce

The International Fresh Produce Association joined nutritionists and scientists in raising concerns about the Environmental Working Group’s latest publication.

"The claims in this report are not only misleading — they’re dangerously counterproductive to our nation’s public health goals. Fruits and vegetables are the foundation of a healthy diet and one of the most effective tools we have for preventing chronic, diet-related diseases. Yet, today, 90 percent of Americans fall short of the recommended daily intake of these essential foods — a public health crisis we can and must urgently address," IFPA said. 

"Does it make sense to discourage people from eating produce? This kind of unfounded rhetoric harms consumers and unfairly threatens the livelihoods of American farmers, who work tirelessly to grow safe, nutritious food for their communities. Baseless attacks on fruit and vegetable growers only undermine efforts to improve diets in a country where 70 percent of what we eat is ultra-processed, and where chronic disease costs our economy more than $1 trillion annually in healthcare and lost productivity."

IFPA said Federal agencies rigorously review crop protection tools through science-based processes to ensure their safety. "The authors of this report know — but conveniently ignore — that the USDA’s Pesticide Data Program consistently finds that produce sold in the U.S. meets or exceeds the EPA’s strict safety standards," the association said. 

Rather than sowing fear, IFPA said we need a national, coordinated effort to increase fruit and vegetable consumption — and empower farmers to keep providing abundant, affordable and safe produce for every American table.

"At IFPA, we remain committed to working alongside farmers, health professionals and policymakers to build a food system that supports healthier communities and a thriving, resilient agricultural economy for all," it said.