Survey finds 'encouraging' healthy eating trends

This news item was added on 26th February 2008

A new Food Standards Agency survey has revealed that healthy eating is now important for the majority of British people.

A survey of consumer attitudes found that healthy eating is important for nine out of ten Britons and 78 per cent are aware of the government's advice to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.

However, only 58 per cent actually meet the five-a-day target and just half of the respondents said that they check nutrition labels before buying food.

Andrew Wadge, chief scientist at the Food Standards Agency, said that the survey is "encouraging as it shows the majority of people do realise how important it is to eat healthily".

However, he noted that the proportion of consumers viewing fat and salt as issues of concern has fallen and added: "[This] shows how critical it is that the agency continues to raise awareness around a healthier diet and provides clear information and advice, backed up by scientific evidence."