The guides provide advice on healthier catering and children’s menus, as well as sector-specific tips for a variety of restaurants.
According to a Food Standards Scotland survey 79% of respondents were supportive of reducing ‘excessive calorie contents’ by changing recipes. A further 73% were in favour of reducing portion size and 95% believed consumers should be able to access small or half portions.
Food Standards Scotland’s head of nutrition, Dr Gillian Purdon, commented: “These sector-specific guides are a good foundation to support food and drink businesses to make small, simple changes to the food they provide which will in turn help customers make healthier choices. We would urge businesses to adopt as many of these tips as possible as when made on scale, these can add up to make a big difference.
“Eating too many calories can lead to weight gain, which in turn increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Even small reductions at each meal can contribute towards a positive change. Supporting people living in Scotland to be healthier is both good for business and good for the health of the nation.”
The Covid-19 pandemic has made people think more about their health and wellbeing as well as the steps they can take to improve it.