Fresh Produce Consumption Across the World: Not where it should be

It’s a known fact fruit and vegetable consumption is a critical marker of dietary health. Numerous studies have linked higher intake to a reduced risk for many illnesses and chronic conditions including heart disease, stroke, cancer, cognitive decline, and premature death.

To support overall health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommend consuming at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables per day.

This aligns with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) MyPlate recommendations of 5 cups of fresh produce (2 cups of fruits and 3 cups of vegetables) per day.

As the chart below illustrates, few consumption rates around the world meet recommendations, and none exceed them. Results vary significantly by region and countries, and this is particularly true for Asia, with the widest range with fruit and vegetable intake levels.