Children confused over where food comes from

Teenage schoolchildren think oats grow on trees and bacon comes from sheep, a survey showed today.

Many children and young adults also believe eggs are a key ingredient in bread, the researchers said.

The survey showed 26 per cent of children thought bacon comes from sheep, 29 per cent thought oats grow on trees, while 17 per cent of both children and adults under the age of 30 believed eggs are a core ingredient in bread.

Today Bruce McMichael, editor of Shrewsbury-based Taste Shropshire, which campaigns for people to learn more about local food, said: "This is very disturbing.

"The campaign to educate both youngsters and adults is ongoing.

"We are doing all that we can to make people aware of where their food comes from."

Mr McMichael said the survey findings illustrated the disconnect between processed food in supermarkets and that produced locally.

He said: "People buy pre-packed, pre-made dishes that are very stylised. But, quite clearly, they have no idea where their food comes from.

"It's important that we continue to make people aware of the importance of local food, of treating food and drink with respect and of safeguarding the local economy by supporting local producers," he added.

Peter Kendall, president of the National Farmers' Union, said: "The results show how important it is to teach the adults of tomorrow about the food they eat.

"Everyone should know where primary foods like cereals are grown and the role they play as part of a healthy balanced diet," he said.

"It is critical that children and adults alike understand more about their food, and the role British farmers play in producing it."

The survey, conducted on behalf of Home Grown Cereals Authority in the build up to Farmhouse Breakfast Week awareness campaign, concluded that older generations knew "much more" about food.

The majority of the over-40s questioned knew where oats come from and that bread is made from flour, water and yeast.

The survey was conducted online by OnePoll and YoungPoll during November, prompting almost 3,000 replies.