Most Fijians not eating enough fruits, vegetables

Despite being surrounded by fresh produce, just 11.3 per cent of Fijians are eating the recommended five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, according to new national health data.

Head of Wellness Dr Devina Nand expressed concern at the finding yesterday during the launch of the Fiji STEPS Survey Report 2025 at the Grand Pacific Hotel.

“Can you believe that? We’re an island country surrounded by beautiful vegetables, beautiful fruit, and we don’t value what we have in our country. Or we don’t have access,” Dr Nand said.

The survey showed that more than half of the population, 52 per cent, consumed only one to two servings of fruits and vegetables a day, while 15.9 per cent reported eating none on a typical day.

Dr Nand said the low intake has serious implications for non-communicable diseases, noting that adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and respiratory illnesses.

The findings showed little difference between men and women, with 51.4 per cent of men and 52.7 per cent of women consuming only one to two servings daily.

Rural communities recorded slightly better eating habits, with 13.9 per cent meeting the five-serving recommendation, compared with 9.4 per cent in urban areas.

Regionally, the Eastern Division recorded the highest compliance at 19.7 per cent, while the Central Division recorded the highest proportion of people consuming no fruits or vegetables daily at 22.4 per cent.

Health officials continue to encourage increased fruit and vegetable intake as a key step toward improving overall health and reducing disease risk.