Promoting fruit and vegetable consumption around the world

Everyone agrees that eating fruits and vegetables is good for your health, particularly when it comes to reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, diabetes, and obesity. Reports published by the WHO estimate that 4.4% of the total cost of diseases in Europe can be attributed to people not eating enough fruits and vegetables. It is estimated that more than 2.7 individuals around the world could be saved by increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables. However, few countries in Europe reach the intake recommended by the WHO (at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables per day). This is why it is critical to identify factors that determine intake levels and implement strategies to increase them, thereby avoiding the negative impact of not consuming enough fruits and vegetables.

Here is the essential information about intake levels in Europe and how to improve them. A monograph published in 2010 by the Louis Bonduelle Foundation. See also: presentations from the Louis Bonduelle Conference on the same subject.