Consumption of vegetables across the EU is in decline, according to figures released this week by European trade body Freshfel Europe in its Consumption Monitor.
Per capita fresh fruit consumption within the 27 member states of the EU in 2008 was 0.67 per cent below the average of the previous five years, while fresh vegetable consumption is continuing to fall at an alarming rate: 14.2 per cent in 2008 compared to the five-year average.
Philippe Binard, delegate-general at Freshfel, said: “Although consumption data should only be understood as a trend indication rather than the precise amount of fresh produce really consumed, on average the trend indicators in the monitor also confirm that around half of EU member states remain below or just above the 400g-a-day minimum recommended by the World Health Organisation. Besides the overall declining trends, it also shows that important efforts remain to be made in order to bring consumption up to satisfactory and healthy levels across all EU member states.”
The UK reflects these averages, with the overall fresh produce consumption per capita slightly below 400g daily and a slight increase in fruit intake, with a much larger decrease in vegetable uptake.
Freshfel president Ramon Rey said: “The report... underlines the responsibility of public authorities to support the sector further by public health campaigns, to lead consumers towards a healthier
diet.”
No comments yet