Global study finds kids worldwide fall short on fruits and vegetables amid cyclospora outbreak
A BMJ Global Health analysis of more than 1,200 dietary surveys from 1990–2018 across 185 countries shows children worldwide consistently fall short of recommendations for fruits, non-starchy vegetables, legumes, nuts/seeds, and starchy vegetables. In the U.S., infants and toddlers eat more fruits and vegetables than older children, but intake declines through adolescence. The piece highlights strategies like repeated exposure, family meals, and involving kids in shopping and cooking, and notes that all produce forms can help (with affordable options emphasized) while juice should be limited per AAP guidelines. Despite a multistate cyclospora outbreak, health officials caution against avoiding produce and advise safe handling: wash hands, rinse produce, prevent cross‑contamination, refrigerate perishables, and follow recalls; the interview also underscores building consistent, long-term healthy eating habits.
