Restrictions laid down by rules governing maximum apple sizes in the fruit-for-schools scheme mean fruit could be too small and hard for children to eat.
A school in Hampshire contacted The Grocer claiming that Egremont Russetts provided under the scheme were going to waste because the apples were impossible for youngsters to eat.
The Department of Health has set a maximum diameter of 65mm for apples, along with a minimum size of 55mm.
The rules carry the rider that: “Where possible, preference must be given to varieties not contained within the list of large-fruited varieties.”
A spokeswoman for the DoH said no other complaints about hard apples had been received.
An independent survey of nearly 1,000 schools had demonstrated 93% approval of the quality of the fruit compared with supermarket produce. The spokeswoman for the DoH added: “We encourage a wide range of apple varieties but restrict the use of Granny Smiths and Russetts as the skins tend to be too hard for young teeth.”
Adrian Barlow, chief executive of English Apples & Pears, which represents growers, said he was surprised to hear of the complaint. “There are certain varieties that would be inappropriate,” he said.
“My view is that Egremont Russetts have a fairly sophisticated taste, and I can see no point in jeopardising the acceptability of apples to kids by putting them in.” But he added: “Hardness shouldn’t be an issue unless the apples are being picked too young and put into schools while immature.”
The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme has been running since 2001 in all LEA-maintained infant, primary and special schools wanting to participate. Apples, pears, oranges, bananas, carrots, kiwi fruit and strawberries are given out to pupils every day in a bid to increase their consumption.
Greg Meenehan