Takeaways, sandwich bars, cafes and other restaurants in London are being encouraged to sign up to the Healthier Catering Commitment. The voluntary scheme allows food businesses to apply for an award if they can demonstrate a commitment to offering healthier options.
This scheme is run by local authorities and backed by both the Mayor of London and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).
Why businesses should join the scheme
Eating well is an important factor in helping to reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and other lifestyle-related health problems. Nearly half of all adults eat at restaurants or takeaways at least once a week, so food outlets are ideally placed to support people to make healthier choices and eat well.
The scheme encourages caterers to reduce salt, fats and sugars in the food and drink they sell. Based on the ‘small changes make a big difference’ principle, businesses can achieve certification by meeting all or a significant number of criteria which include:
- careful ingredients purchasing
- healthier preparation and cooking practices
- smaller portions
- healthier menu options
Restaurant locations
The scheme has been rolled out in the Tottenham Regeneration Area which has high levels of deprivation, an overconcentration of fast food outlets, and high levels of obesity. In Tottenham, children are 2 and a half times more likely to be obese or overweight than children in the more affluent west of the borough. More recently the scope has been widened to include the Wood Green Regeneration area.
Joining the scheme
Only compliant traders, who achieve the higher Food Hygiene Rating Score of 4 and 5, are chosen.
All types of catering establishments are eligible to apply, including
- restaurants
- canteens
- cafes
- takeaways
- bars
- pubs
- sandwich bars
- caterers
- leisure centres
For more information, visit the Healthier Catering Commitment website