A scheme to give out free fruit in schools does not encourage children to eat more healthily, researchers say.

Under the multimillion-pound government plan, championed by the Department of Health, all four to six-year-olds in state infant, primary and special schools are entitled to a free piece of fruit or vegetable every day.

The scheme cost £42 million to introduce across England in 2004 and another £77 million over the next two years to continue. But a study published today in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health questions its long-term benefits.

Researchers led by Janet Cade, of the University of Leeds, examined the fruit and nutrient intake for 3,700 children from 98 schools in the North of England during 2004. While the scheme initially boosted fruit intake by half a portion and slightly increased levels of beta carotene and vitamin C, the benefits lapsed after seven months.

When pupils were aged seven to eight, and no longer eligible for free fruit or veg, the benefits could not be seen at all, the authors said. There were no changes in salt, fat or overall energy intake among the children, they said.

From September, carrots and tomatoes will be added to apples, pears, bananas and citrus fruits available as part of the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme.The authors highlight certain difficulties associated with the scheme. The range of fruit and vegetables on offer is fairly narrow because of health and safety concerns and the time needed for preparation, they say.

For long-term impact, they suggest that the scheme should be more structured and targeted, and should have involvement from the whole school as well as from parents. Dr Cade said: “There was evidence that children’s intake of fruit and vegetables declined at home at the same time as it increased at school.”

The Department of Health said: “This research is based on old information from 2004 as part of the first evaluation of the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme. We already know that the scheme has encouraged children to eat more fruit and vegetables.”

Times recommends

• Undergraduates to get 'consumer rights'
• Schoolgirls think cosmetic surgery is normal
• Lying parents may face court over school places