BARROWCLIFFES JOINS QUEST
TO IMPROVE NATION'S DIET
Current recommendations are that everyone should eat at least
5 portions of a variety fruit and vegetables each day, to
reduce the risks of cancer and coronary heart disease and
many other chronic diseases. Yet average fruit and vegetable
consumption among the population in England is less than 3
portions a day. Consumption tends to be lower among children
and people on low incomes.
Health benefits
Increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables can significantly
reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. It has been estimated
that eating at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and
vegetables a day could reduce the risk of deaths from chronic
diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer by up to
20%.
Barrowcliffes are proud to support the Department of Health's
5 A DAY programme and has been granted a licence to use the
5 A DAY logo on their corporate wallet and website. Barrowcliffes
are now urging other organisations to also unite to support
the healthy eating programme to help improve the health of
the nation.
The 5 A DAY programme is recognised as an important contribution
to improving the health of the nation, with boosting fruit
and vegetable intake to 5 A DAY one of the biggest single
things people can do to improve their health. Eating at least
5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day can help reduce the
risk of developing a range of chronic diseases including heart
disease and some cancers. However, Barrowcliffes are concerned
that adults in England aren't eating enough.
It is hoped that widespread use of the logo by industry will
help increase awareness of the health benefits of fruit and
vegetables and make it easier for consumers to see what counts
towards their 5 A DAY target å ultimately increasing consumption.
Already, more than 300 organisations are supporting the programme
through use of the 5 A DAY logo and related activities such
as TV advertising, branded sampling events, competitions,
regional campaigns and direct mail.
The 5 A DAY logo, supported by the message 'Just eat more
(fruit and veg)', can be used on the packaging of a variety
of fresh, cooked, frozen, chilled, canned and dried forms
of fruits and vegetables, including 100% fruit and vegetable
juice products and on all promotional materials.
At present, only products with no added sugar, fat or salt
may carry the 5 A DAY logo. However, the Department of Health
is currently developing nutritional guidelines for composite
foods, to enable products such as ready meals, sauces and
soups that contain added sugar, salt or fat, to carry the
logo.
Companies currently using the logo include ASDA, Birds Eye,
Boots, Co-op, Del Monte, Minute Maid for McDonalds, Redbridge
and Whitworths.
For more information about 5 a day go to www.5aday.nhs.uk
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