Organisations providing childcare for youngsters under the age of five need to be offered nationally-agreed menus, a report has recommended.

The Advisory Panel of Food and Nutrition in Early Years said that healthy eating needs to be better promoted among this group through a more strategic approach.

It called on providers, practitioners, caterers, food manufacturers and others involved in childcare to join forces to address the issues.

"One of the most important ways to help children to eat more healthily as they grow up …is by getting them used to good food habits way before they reach reception class," explained Rob Rees, chairman of the School Food Trust.

He also indicated that youngsters need more help in making healthy eating choices.

Mintel recently found that consumers are increasingly in search of healthy options when they eat breakfast outside the home, therefore putting pressure on outlets to deliver on nutrition.