Many kids don’t eat enough veggies. Amid a parasite outbreak in the US, what’s a parent to do? - CNN

What the report says

CNN reported that concern over a multistate cyclospora outbreak is making some families wary of salads and other fresh produce, even as new research suggests children worldwide are already eating too few plant-based foods. The parasite can spread through contaminated food or water and can cause watery diarrhea; health officials are investigating the outbreak, according to CNN.

The article cites a BMJ Global Health study published July 8 that analyzed more than 1,200 dietary surveys from 185 countries, covering 1990 to 2018. CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen said the study found children in nearly all regions were not getting enough fruits, non-starchy vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, or starchy vegetables, despite some improvement over nearly three decades.

One notable U.S. finding, according to Wen, was that babies and toddlers ranked relatively high globally for fruit and vegetable intake, at nearly three servings a day for children under 2, but consumption fell below two servings a day later in childhood and adolescence. Wen linked that drop to older children having more meals outside the home, more peer and school influences, and more exposure to heavily processed foods.

CNN’s guidance emphasized that fruits and vegetables remain important for growth, development and long-term eating habits. Wen said fresh, frozen and canned produce can all be useful, with families encouraged to choose affordable options children will eat and to check canned-food labels for added sodium or heavy syrup. As general food-safety context, families concerned about outbreaks should follow official advisories and use routine precautions such as washing produce and hands.