Peer reviewed research and Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF) surveys among consumers and registered dietitians all show the negative impact of misinformation about pesticide residues on produce consumption among consumers. And, last week, a new national survey was released by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) where 60% of respondents stated that they did not consume certain foods due to concerns about residues. For the people who say they have avoided food because of pesticide concerns, 71% report that they avoided vegetables and 59% avoided fruits, according to IFIC’s survey.With decades of government data and peer reviewed studies showing the overwhelming safety of conventionally grown produce, IFIC’s survey adds to the mounting evidence of how misleading and inaccurate fear-based messaging by agendized groups is discouraging consumption of nutrient-dense produce.Health officials and registered dietitians are increasingly concerned that fears about produce safety are becoming another barrier to consumption since only one in 10 of Americans currently consume enough fruits and vegetables each day.