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Photo: alasam, Creative Commons

The average daily intake of fruit and vegetables has fallen to 3.9 portions, the lowest level for 20 years, with those on a low income getting on average just 2.9 portions a day.

That's according to Mail Online, which claims to have seen UK government figures set for publication in the next fortnight.

Around one person in 20, it claims, eats no fruit and veg at all, despite millions being spent on healthy eating campaigns.

News of the fall follows a recent study which suggested the official guidance should be increased from 5 A DAY to at least seven and possibly ten.

Mail Online claims the details will be published by Defra in an updated version of its Food Statistics pocket book on 24 April.

The news outlet quotes the study, which it claims says: 'Prices for fish, fruit and vegetables, bread and meat have all risen by more than 30 per cent since June 2007.

'Fruit and vegetables including potatoes were 19 per cent more expensive in the UK than the EU average.'

It is also noted that the poorest 10 per cent of households are spending around 12 per cent less on vegetables and 15 per cent less on fruit than they were in 2007.

Mail Online quotes the study as saying: 'Price is increasingly important in driving product choice, with 39 per cent of shoppers naming it as the most important factor and more than 90 per cent listing it within their top five influences.

'Less importance is placed on healthy options, with only 9 per cent naming it as the most important influence.'