I was very surprised to find myself in the Times on Monday suggesting that people should eat twice as much food to get more nutrients. My surprise is due to the fact I said no such thing and would certainly make no such recommendation.
The confusion stems from a one line comment I made at a farming conference in response to a report that apples were becoming less nutrient dense. When your correspondent emailed me for clarification and elaboration about what I said I replied by email 'I'm not convinced there has been this reduction in nutrition density… But my advice to anyone who thinks they might not be getting their nutritional needs from a single apple is to eat two. It will be good for them and good for the apple grower.”
To misrepresent this one comment about eating an extra apple into a story where I am apparently calling for people to double their food intake is frankly ridiculous and a brand of 'fake news' that I wouldn't have expected from The Times.
I would take this opportunity to reassure your readers that British apples remain nutritious, delicious and healthy. Having an extra one is a very good idea.
Guy Smith
NFU Vice President