It has been revealed that fruit and veg consumption in the UK is actually falling, and it could be quarter of a century until the country achieves a 5-a-Day goal, according to new information.
The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Food Statistics Pocketbook, based on Office of National Statistics figures, revealed that fresh produce consumption is falling and the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) warned that “without a dramatic change in eating habits it could take another 25 years for consumers to meet the recommended 5-a-Day”.
Moreover, according to the stats, while 2008 figures showed collectively UK households showed 4.1 portions of fruit and veg a day were purchased, the numbers were misleading and that wastage meant the figure was nea0rer 2.7, and even lower in low income households.
UK agricultural body the NFU called for practical action to be taken through setting goals, studying demographics and targeting men. According to DEFRA, only 25 per cent of UK males reach the recommended daily target.
NFU chief horticultural advisor Phil Hudson told the Fresh Produce Journal: “We need to present more examples of opportunities to eat fruit and veg and move beyond ‘yes, you should eat 5-a-Day’ to showing them how to do it. It is one thing identifying a problem but another solving it.”
A spokesperson for the department of health told Freshinfo: “Encouraging and enabling people to eat a healthy balanced diet rich in a variety of fruit and vegetables can help us stay healthy.
“We want to build on the success of Change4Life and the 5 a Day programme and make it more of a social movement, less a Government campaign. We will be working with others, including the business community and voluntary sector to come up with innovative and practical ways to support people make healthy choices.'
FPC chief executive Nigel Jenney said: “With rising obesity levels in the UK and across Europe, particularly among young children, we cannot be complacent about the efforts needed by both industry and government to encourage people to enjoy a healthy diet.”
The report also revealed fruit and vegetable prices, while rising, are still below that of overall food. Between June 2007 and February 2009 there was a 23 per cent rise in vegetable prices, six per cent lower than food, and an 11 per cent rise in fruit prices, 10 per cent lower.
“The industry’s Eat In Colour campaign provides tips and advice on enjoying a wide range of fresh produce. Fruit and vegetables are the easy, quick, inexpensive and tasty way to a healthier diet and yet we know that there is great wastage in the home. Eat In Colour provides recipes on using leftovers for soups and smoothies, as well as advice on storing fresh produce.
“Consumers regard fruit and vegetables as an essential part of their diet and fresh produce continues to provide excellent quality and value for money for hard-pressed consumers in this economic climate.”
