People in the UK are buying more fruit and vegetables, according to Defra’s latest statistics.
The 2005-06 period saw the largest increase in produce purchases in the last 20 years, as shown by results from the Expenditure and Food Survey published this week.
Household purchases of fruit and vegetables, excluding potatoes, purchased for the household were 7.7 per cent higher in the 12-month period from April 1, 2005 to March 31,2006, continuing an increasing trend.
And expenditure rose by 12.9 per cent for fruit and by 6.3 per cent for vegetables, excluding potatoes.
The results also show that people are buying less confectionary, and soft drinks and indicate a decline in purchases of alcoholic drinks both at home and in pubs and restaurants.
Household purchases of confectionary fell by 6.1 per cent after small rises in recent years.
Meanwhile, the estimated average intake of vitamin C rose by 6.8 per cent, in keeping with the rise in purchases of fruit and vegetables.
And fat intake, measured by its percentage contribution to food energy intake, dropped slightly to 38.1 per cent
Jeff Rooker, Minister for Sustainable Food and Farming said: “These are national statistics produced to high professional standards and are an important addition to the evidence base on diet.
“These healthier trends in food purchases are promising, but we cannot be complacent, and must continue to encourage these trends, through healthy eating initiatives, like the 5 A DAY programme.
“Consumers must remember that the food choices they make can have a big difference not only to their health, but to their environment, and our countryside.”
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