Parents play an important role in shaping their children's dietary patterns and should assume the greatest responsibility for the low vegetable and fruit consumption among children, according to the results of a survey released by the Formosa Cancer Foundation. The survey results reveal that 73 percent of the children who responded to the survey like fruit and vegetables. However, low vegetable and fruit consumption was reported by 63 percent of the respondents, either because they often eat outside the home or because their families seldom prepare fruit and vegetables for them. In addition, 60 percent of the respondents said their dietary patterns are related to those of their parents. Asked to name their favorite food eaten outside the home, most children picked instant noodles, followed by fried chicken, followed by braised food. Meanwhile, 49 percent of the parents who responded to the survey said they often cook grilled or fried food, with 25 percent saying they provide the same food to their children. Forty-eight percent of the adult respondents said they do not like fruit and vegetables, compared with 38 percent who said they enjoy them. The survey was conducted online by the foundation in cooperation with the Yuanta Foundation and the Agriculture Trade Office under the American Institute in Taiwan. A total of 3,174 children aged 9-12 and 1,815 parents participated.