The study, carried out by the Worshipful Company of Cooks of London Research Centre at the university was designed to evaluate whether children in the target age range could correctly identify commonly available fruit and vegetables and what their perceptions of healthy eating were.

The fact that fruit is more popular bodes well for the National Fruit Scheme. 'Its success will be assured by children actually consuming the fruit supplied,' found the study. 'However, it must be recognised that not all children will initially like the fruit chosen for implementation in the scheme and encouragement may be needed to ensure the fruit is eaten. Concern should also be noted at low scores for pears as these are included in the school fruit scheme, albeit at a different age group.' The study, which divided the children into three age groups, one for each year, found that recognition of vegetables increased with age. The least well identified was cabbage which was often confused with lettuce. And of the fruit category, melons were least well identified.

The good news from the survey was that most children were familiar with the term healthy eating, citing school as the most common source of information. They also showed an awareness and understanding of recommendations for a balanced diet, although the message was often a bit confused.

The study was carried out using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews at a south-coast primary school in England. A number of the pupils were from single-parent and low-income families and all pupils at the school bring in or are provided free-of-charge with a packed lunch. The research also found that 'the assertion that social class and those in receipt of benefits are negatively associated with fruit and vegetable consumption'.

The products featured in the research were whole, sliced or prepared apple, banana, grape, melon, orange, pear, broccoli, carrot, cabbage, cauliflower, peas, tomato, sweetcorn and kiwifruit.

The older primary years age-group was chosen as there is little research to date on this sector.