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.
Multiple residues are present in 70–92% of US- and China-grown stone fruit while 58% US cauliflower is tainted
with neonicotinoid insecticides. Science-based alternatives and decision-support frameworks can help food
producers reduce risks and potential harm by deliberately abstaining from pesticide use. As such, opportunities
abound to advance ‘win-win’ diets that simultaneously nurture human health and conserve global biodiversity.
