The National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS), which is a rolling programme assessing trends for diet, nutrient intake, and nutritional status for the UK, has released its results for the period of 2008-2017.
According to the report, consumption of red and processed meat showed a downward trend: consumption by adults (aged between 19 and 64 years) declined by 19g over the 9 years period. Amongst children (aged 11 to 18 years) there was a decline of 15g and adults 65 years and over consumed 11g less red and processed meats. However, over the same period, mean consumption for adult men remained above the recommended maximum of 70g/day. Recent studies have shown red and processed meat as carcinogen, and the World Cancer Research Fund advises consumption of only small amounts.
Other highlights from the report shows that consumption of fruit and vegetable portions was unchanged in the time period, meaning that the British still don’t consume the recommended daily five portions of fruits and vegetables a day. Fibre intakes are also below recommendations in all age groups over the whole nine years.