The popular quiz show, “QI” made waves when presenter Sandi Toksvig claimed that avocados and many other fruits are not strictly vegan. The presenter explained the technicality, as bees are exploited for their production in order to pollinate the plants.
In the aftermath of the programme, a host of avocado-loving vegan fans reaffirmed their love of the superfood. The Vegan Society provided an important clarification by publishing a statement saying that vegans should avoid using animals as far as possible and practicable: "We are aware that many forms of farming involve indirect harm to animals but it is unfortunately not possible or practicable to avoid the destruction of other animals in most farming at this time”.
The Vegan Society’s position is supported by the fact that a large percentage of products eaten by vegans are pollinated by bees. As a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) shows that pollinators are present in 35 percent of global agricultural land, which in turn supports the production of no less than 87 of the leading food crops worldwide. If vegans would stop eating such foods, it would arguably make it impossible for them to follow a healthy, balanced diet.
“For millions of vegans around the world, avocados are at the heart of an extremely healthy and varied diet. The world’s favourite superfood is appreciated for its taste, abundance of vitamins and minerals and as a source of healthy protein”, said Xavier Equihua, CEO of the World Avocado Organization (WAO).
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