Fruit and vegetables--attitudes and knowledge of primary school children.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether children, aged 8-11 years could correctly identify commonly available fruit and vegetables; to assess the acceptability of these; and to gain a broad understanding of children's perceptions of 'healthy eating'.


METHODS
Fruit and vegetables used were those readily available in retail outlets in the UK. Data were collected from three year-groups (n = 221) using a questionnaire supported by semistructured interviews and discussions.


RESULTS
Overall, fruit was more popular than vegetables and recognition of fruit better; melons being the least well identified. Recognition of vegetables increased with age; the least well identified being cabbage which was confused with lettuce by 32, 16 and 17% of pupils in their respective age groups. Most children (75%) were familiar with the term healthy eating, citing school (46%) as the most common source of information. Pupils showed an awareness and understanding of current recommendations for a balanced diet, although the message has become confused.


CONCLUSIONS
If fresh fruit and vegetables are to form part of a balanced diet, the 'health message' needs to be clear. Fruit is well liked; vegetables are less acceptable with many being poorly recognized, factors which need to be addressed.
Edwards
J S A
JS
The Worshipful Company of Cooks of London Research Centre, Bournemouth University, Poole, Dorset, UK. edwardsj@bournemouth.ac.uk
Hartwell
H H
HH
D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences; D005638:Fruit; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D014675:Vegetables