§ Mr. KidneyTo ask the Secretary of State for. Health what action she proposes to take to promote information and education for consumers on healthy eating. [1726]
§ Yvette CooperThe Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Department of Health work closely together in this area.
The National Health Service Plan sets out a programme of action on diet and nutrition, including a five-a-day programme to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and a National School Fruit Scheme as part of a national campaign to improve the diet of children. These initiatives will include information for consumers.
The FSA disseminates information and advice to consumers on a wide range of dietary issues through written material and their website www.foodstandards.gov.uk. It also promotes "Catering for Health", a joint FSA/Department of Health document providing guidance on healthy catering practices for those involved in training caterers.
The FSA and the Department of Health also work closely with the Department for Education and Skills to provide information on diet and nutrition to school children through school-based activities.