The French government has launched a campaign to promote the consumption of fruit and vegetables in a bid to develop healthier eating habits, especially among children.
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The French continue to turn their backs on fruit and vegetables and currently eat an average of 340g daily per person compared to the 400g recommended by the World Health Organisation.
The government will appoint a “Monsieur Fruit and Vegetables” in the coming days to co-ordinate the campaign.
The scheme will include the distribution of fresh produce in pre- and primary schools from September 2008 with less-advantaged children, who are the least likely of social categories to eat fresh fruit and vegetables, being a specific target.
Agriculture Minister Michel Barnier said the aim of the campaign is to “give children the taste for fruit and make good the current nutritional deficit.”
Trade body Interfel says purchases of fresh fruit and vegetables fell by 12% and 14% respectively between 1997 and 2005.
