Study reveals low fruit and veg intake in Brazil

Experts from the School of Public Health at the University of São Paulo warn that in 2023, eight out of ten adults (78.6%) living in Brazilian capitals were not eating the minimum amount of fruit and vegetables recommended. They suggest that this figure could be improved by promoting production in urban areas.

In a report released on Thursday (Apr. 26), researchers underscored that the daily intake recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) stands at 400 grams of fruits and vegetables, deemed crucial for sustaining good health. However, the study revealed that less than a fifth (19%) of the food acquired by households (per person per year, in kilograms) consisted of fruits and vegetables in 2018.

The authors of the study suggest a solution lies in promoting local networks for healthy food production. They explain, "When food is cultivated near consumers, it can lead to reduced transportation and marketing expenses, resulting in lower final prices. Shorter marketing channels facilitate direct sales from local farmers to urban consumers, eliminating the need for numerous intermediaries or extensive travel."

Estimates from the Instituto Escolhas, as cited in the study, suggest that the metropolitan region of São Paulo alone could potentially supply vegetables to 20 million people annually if such initiatives were encouraged.

Cost of food

Healthier food options have been supplanted by ultra-processed foods, laden with chemical additives that pose health risks with frequent consumption. Concerns over the intake of such products have prompted organizations like the National Health Council (CNS) to advocate for measures such as imposing higher taxes on this category, aiming to dissuade consumers from purchasing them.

In a statement, the CNS highlights that "from 2006 to 2022, food prices increased 1.7 times more than the general inflation rate (IPCA), with healthy foods rising nearly three times more compared to ultra-processed foods."

The researchers behind the study emphasize that an inadequate diet is closely linked to conditions such as overweight, obesity, and the onset of chronic non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.