Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Monday, 13 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 February 2006. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 March 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the Government are taking to promote the consumption of more fruit and vegetables.

Answer: The Department's 5 A DAY programme, school fruit and vegetable scheme (part of the 5 A DAY Programme) and healthy start all promote increased consumption of fruit and vegetables. For example, under the school fruit and vegetable scheme, nearly 2 million four to six-year-olds in local education authority maintained infant, primary and special schools throughout England receive a free piece of fruit or vegetable every school day. Over 550 organisations are licensed to use the 5 A DAY logo and it currently appears on over 700 fruit and vegetable products in shops and restaurants. The new healthy start scheme offers qualifying families vouchers to exchange for fresh fruits and vegetables as well as milk.Websites, publicity material and guidance have also been provided to help support people to increase their fruit and vegetable consumption.

Secondary information