Parasite Outbreak Sparks New Produce Worries, Experts Tell Parents to Keep Serving Fruits and Veggies

Parents urged to keep serving fruits and vegetables as parasite outbreak raises fresh produce worries

As U.S. health officials investigate a multistate Cyclospora outbreak tied to fresh produce, some parents may be reconsidering whether to serve salads, fruits and vegetables at home. “But health experts say steering clear of produce could be more harmful than helpful, especially as new research shows many children are already eating too few plant-based foods.

A recent study published in BMJ Global Health has analysed dietary data from 185 countries and found that children across the world are failing to consume recommended intake levels for fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds. Researchers reviewed more than 1,200 dietary surveys collected from 1990 to 2018 to better understand long-term eating patterns in children and adolescents.

The findings come as the industry is under increased public scrutiny following the Cyclospora outbreak, a foodborne illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The infection can result in long-term diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and weight loss.

CNN Wellness spoke with Dr Leana Wen, an emergency physician, a clinical associate professor at George Washington University, and former Baltimore health commissioner, about how to balance food safety concerns with healthy eating habits.

Children’s Fruit & Vegetable Consumption Remains Low

Almost all children worldwide are consuming less fruit and vegetables than nutrition experts suggest, a study found.

In the United States, researchers saw a striking pattern as well. Infants and toddlers ranked among the world’s highest consumers of fruits and vegetables. But consumption dropped off steeply after age two, with older children and teens eating fewer servings than many of their peers in other rich countries.

The U.S. dietary guidelines recommend increasing fruit and vegetable intake as children get older. For young children, you are recommended to eat about one to one-and-a-half servings of fruit and more than one serving of vegetables a day. The recommendation becomes higher during adolescence.

"Parents generally have more authority over what infants eat and can start with fruits and vegetables early," said Dr Wen. School meals, peer influence, advertising and easier access to highly processed foods may also contribute to declining produce consumption as children age.

She said that improving children's diets takes more than teaching parents and pointed to the role of schools, communities and healthier food environments.

The Value of Fruits & Veggies

Fruits and vegetables give children the vitamins, minerals, fibre and other nutrients they need to grow and develop.

Eating habits formed in childhood often carry over into adulthood, said Dr Wen. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables are linked with reduced risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers later in life.

Picky Eating Is Normal

Many parents are concerned when their kids turn up their noses at vegetables or suddenly refuse foods they used to like.

“Picky eating is a normal developmental stage, especially in toddlers and preschool-aged children,” said Dr Wen. She told parents to keep offering healthy foods regularly but not to expect instant acceptance

Fresh, frozen, or canned produce can all be healthy.

Dr Wen said families should not let food safety concerns related to the Cyclospora outbreak stop them from eating fruits and vegetables.

Fresh, frozen and canned produce can all provide important nutrients, she said.

Frozen fruits and vegetables are usually processed soon after harvest, which preserves nutrients. Frozen produce is often a cost-effective option for many families.

For canned products she suggests vegetables without added salt and fruit packed in water or natural juice instead of heavy syrup.

The point is consistency, not perfection.

Dr Wen urged parents to offer fruit and vegetables as part of normal meals and snacks but also to realise it may take many attempts before children will accept new foods.

She said families should focus not on perfect eating habits but on establishing consistent, healthy routines that will benefit children for life.