Britons are unaware that potatoes do not count towards their five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, a report has found.
The survey by the Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) estimates two thirds of Britons (or 38 million people) are eating chips, mash and roast potatoes as one of their daily fruit and vegetables.
More than two thirds of the 3,300 people surveyed by the association admitted they were confused by advice on health and nutrition, saying conflicting messages made them disregard many guidelines.
The report says the statistics reflect Food Standards Agency research, which found, on average, just 14 per cent of Britons eat the recommended five portions or fruit and vegetables every day.
The HFMA's survey also examined other areas relating to the health of the nation and has revealed that women are more likely than men to boost their vitamin and mineral intake by taking supplements, with 40 per cent of women taking vitamins and minerals more than five times a week compared with 30 per cent of men.
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