For some years now there has been scientific proof from research establishments and universities that frozen vegetables and fruit have the equivalent nutritional value as fresh, when 'on the plate' comparisons are made, despite some snobbish food critics refusing to accept the fact.

Now it's official - the message has now been firmly embraced by no less a body than the Health Education Authority. Their widely distributed leaflet 'Enjoy Fruit & Veg', which is designed to promote greater consumption of fruit and vegetables tells consumers on its front page to 'Eat more fruit and vegetables Fresh, Frozen or Canned'. In answering the question 'Are frozen and canned veg good for you', they state 'You might be surprised to know that frozen vegetables are just as good for you as fresh - and they can be quick, convenient and economical too. They don't go mouldy or need chopping or scrubbing'.

Supporting this official view, the highly respected British Nutrition Foundation goes even further in its new briefing paper 'Nutrition and Food Processing'. In the introduction they state 'In some cases processed foods actually retain more nutrients than the unprocessed form'. BNF says the best examples are frozen vegetables, which are picked and frozen within hours of harvest, whereas fresh vegetables may have been stored for several days before purchase or use.

Alf Carr, Director-General of the British Frozen Food Federation was delighted with the endorsements and stated - "This formal recognition gives great assurance to consumers who wish to embrace the convenience of frozen vegetables. They now know officially that they need not miss out on vital vitamins and nutrients and that they do not need to rely solely on fresh counterparts to gain the benefits from increased consumption via initiatives such as '5 A Day' programmes which help with cancer prevention and promote general good health. It all goes to show - You Can Be Sure It's Fresh - If It's Frozen"