Improving nutritional labeling on menus and increasing availability of healthier foods in vending machines are just two ways in which foodservice businesses can help boost UK fruit and vegetable consumption, according to a new NFU report.
The ‘Fit for the Future’ report marks an attempt by the NFU to help tackle the obesity crisis by encouraging people to hit their 5 a day fruit and veg target.
The report sets out 34 recommendations for increasing fruit and veg consumption which also include redesigning the layout of food service areas to give greater prominence to fruit and veg; and increasing the range of products that contain fruit and veg through menu development and recipe reformulation.
An estimated 5.2 million deaths worldwide were attributable to inadequate fruit and veg consumption in 2013, according to the World Health Organisation, while in the UK, the average person consumes just 241g of fruit and veg each day compared with the recommended 400g.
“At the moment, although most people understand the reasons why they should eat more fruit and veg, consumption simply isn’t increasing and this has to change,” said NFU President Meurig Raymond. “We are calling on all parts of the industry and Government to work with us and to implement initiatives that will drive consumer purchases.”
