Resolving the twin human and environmental health hazards of a plant-based diet

Food can be health-giving. A global transition towards plant-based diets may equally help curb carbon emissions, slow land-system change and conserve finite resources. Yet, projected benefits of such €˜planetary health’ diets imperfectly capture the environmental or societal health outcomes tied to food production. Here, we examine pesticide-related hazards of fruit and vegetable consumption, and list proven management alternatives per commodity, geography and chemical compound. Across countries, pesticide use in these alleged healthful foods is extensive with up to 97% food items containing residues and up to 42% posing dietary risks to consumers

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Title Resolving the twin human and environmental health hazards of a plant-based diet
Description Food can be health-giving. A global transition towards plant-based diets may equally help curb carbon emissions, slow land-system change and conserve finite resources. Yet, projected benefits of such €˜planetary health’ diets imperfectly capture the environmental or societal health outcomes tied to food production. Here, we examine pesticide-related hazards of fruit and vegetable consumption, and list proven management alternatives per commodity, geography and chemical compound. Across countries, pesticide use in these alleged healthful foods is extensive with up to 97% food items containing residues and up to 42% posing dietary risks to consumers
Agroecology Category
  • Integrated systems
  • Input reduction and recycling
  • Soil health
  • Economy and income
  • Nutrition and diets
  • Sustainable food system
  • Biodiversity
  • Climate
  • Natural resources governance
  • Water management
  • Knowledge and values
Agroecology Keyword
  • Organic agriculture
  • Biological control
  • Crop protection
  • Integrated pest management
  • Crop rotation
  • Income
  • Food safety
  • Human health
  • Nutrient
  • Certification
  • Food security
  • Biodiversity
  • Environmental protection
  • Habitat
  • Climate change
  • Vulnerability
  • Ecosystem service
  • Water management
  • Wellbeing
Contributing organisations
Author Kris A.G.Wyckhuys, Alexandre Aebi, Maarten F.I.J, .Bijleveld van Lexmond, Carlos R.Bojaca, Jean-Marc Bonmatin, Lorenzo Furlan, Jairo A.Guerrero, Trinh V.Mai, Hoi V.Pham, Francisco Sanchez-Bayo, Yoshinori Ikenaka
Year 2020
Type of document Research Article
Language English
Spatial Information
Country Global
Administrative Level 1
Administrative Level 2
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