Written question asked by Michael Jack (Conservative) on Wednesday, 4 February 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 February 1998. It was answered by Baroness Jowell (Labour) on Monday, 9 February 1998 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the amount by which the average per capita consumption of fruit salads and vegetables would have to increase to have a measurable impact on those causes of mortality where poor diet is judged to be a significant contributory factor. - Inc ref to "Nutritional Aspects of Cardiovascular Disease", (in Lib).

Answer: Mr. Jack: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the amount by which the average per capita consumption of fruit salads and vegetables would have to increase to have a measurable impact on those causes of mortality where poor diet is judged to be a significant contributory factor. [28537] Ms Jowell: The Government's source of independent expert advice, the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy, recommended in its report "Nutritional Aspects of Cardiovascular Disease" published in 1994 that, on average, individuals should increase their fruit and vegetable consumption by 50 per cent. Copies of the report are available in the Library. It was on this basis that we now recommend that people should try to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

Secondary information