The department of health (DoH) has said food producers and retailers will have to meet strict criteria if they want to use the government's 5-a-day logo, to be unveiled in the spring. And new guidelines have been issued explaining exactly what constitutes a portion for the 5-a-day scheme.

"It is essential that consumers get clear and consistent information, which is why we are developing the 5-a-day logo and putting in place strict criteria so that people know they can trust it," said public health minister Hazel Blears.

The logo follows consumer research which found the public was in favour of a symbol to help them see at a glance what counts towards their 5-a-day. It will apply to fresh, chilled, frozen, canned and dried fruit and vegetables, as well as 100 per cent fruit juices.

The government has also clarified portion size as 80g – equivalent to one medium-sized apple or banana, a bowl of mixed salad or three tablespoons of peas or carrots. A 150ml serving of 100 per cent fruit or vegetable juice counts as a portion, but can only contribute once to 5-a-day no matter how much is drunk. Pulses and 100 per cent concentrated purées also count only once.

Doug Henderson of the Fresh Produce Consortium said: "We welcome the DoH providing formal clarification of a portion – it will help increase awareness throughout the country. The logo is an excellent idea." The 5-a-day programme has five strands, spearheaded by the national school fruit scheme. Second are 5-a-day community initiatives, which aim to improve people's access to and awareness of fruit and vegetables thereby making it easier for them to eat more. Third, is the communications programme aiming to increase awareness of the health benefits of fruit and vegetables especially targeting those with low intake. Fourth, work is in progress with different organisations across the industry including retailers, producers and caterers to improve access to fruit and vegetables. And fifth, working with national and local partners, industry and groups such as the FPC. l

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