The latest data from the largest official survey of British eating habits reveals that just 8% of 11-to-18-year-olds meet the 5-a-day recommendation for fruit and vegetable consumption
Young people fell furthest short of healthy eating targets for fruit and vegetables, according to data released by the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS). And the rest of the population didn't do much better, with only around a quarter to a third consuming the recommended 5 portions a day. Men (unlike women) were found to exceed recommended limits for red meat consumption, and for all groups the intake of oily fish was well below the recommended one portion a week.
However, there was good news in the statistics, with evidence that children's consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks had declined significantly compared with previous survey periods.
The NDNS is a rolling survey of British eating habits, which has been going on since 1992. It is run by Public Health England and the Food Standards Agency.
Read the full report here, and find out more about Sustain's campaigning work to improve children's and young people's diets here.
Published Friday 9 September 2016
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
