The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) has branded claims by The Independent that the government's 5-a-day campaign is not working as 'unfair'.

The newspaper today cited results from the government's expenditure and food survey as evidence for the failure to improve the nation's diet. The report states that consumption of fresh green vegetables fell by seven per cent for the period 2001-02, alongside a slight fall in the consumption of fruit.

Doug Henderson, chief executive of the FPC, told freshinfo The Independent has missed the point. He said: 'The government's PR campaign for 5-a-day was only launched on March 25 this year. To use figures from last year and say the government is not doing enough is unfair.' Last month saw the Department of Health launch the new 5-a-day logo, which is being used in Asda stores as the campaign is beginning to gather momentum.

The FPC also believes the claim that the government has failed to increase average consumption levels above three portions per person a day is extremely harsh. The campaign is undergoing rapid expansion with lottery funding of £42 million to pay for fruit for schoolchildren.

Henderson said: 'The scheme of implementing fruit into schools has only covered three regions so far. And we are dedicated into making this a success.'