IFPA urges shift from fear to facts on produce and ‘Dirty Dozen’

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2025 – In a statement today, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) BB #:378962 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.

“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.

“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.

“Rather than sowing fear, 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.”

More information and peer-reviewed research related to pesticides and produce can be found at safefruitsandveggies.com.

For recipes and other educational tools to encourage the consumption of nutritious produce go to fruitsandveggies.org.

About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We grow our members’ prosperity by conducting advocacy, connecting people and ideas; and offering guidance that allows us all to take action with purpose and confidence. IFPA represents member companies from small family businesses to the largest international corporations throughout the global fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations.

Contact: Sarah Gonzalez, sgonzalez@freshproduce.com, (202) 303-3411