London food outlets urged to sign up to Healthier Catering Commitment

Successful businesses that have taken steps to make their food healthier will receive a Healthier Catering Commitment certificate and door sticker. Supported by the London Boroughs, the London Food Board, the Greater London Authority and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), the scheme will be launched at an event hosted by Rosie Boycott, Chair of the London Food Board at City Hall on today (Wednesday 14 March) at 4.30pm. Most catering businesses are eligible to take part in the scheme provided they are broadly compliant for food hygiene and the pilot has been initially aimed at those in the fast food sector. Tay Potier, CIEH London Region Policy Officer, said: "We have been delighted with the response we have had from food businesses during the initial pilot period of the scheme. It is relatively simple to operate as businesses wishing to participate in the scheme can be assessed during a routine food inspection. "Most of the businesses involved in the pilot were surprised at how little they need to do to make their food healthier – small changes like changing the oil they use from an unhealthy one high in saturated fats to a healthier mono or polyunsaturated one could make a huge difference and it did not cost them any more. "Many businesses also had a great sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that they were making a contribution to improving the health of their customers." Rosie Boycott, Chair of London Food added: "One in four businesses in London sells food and it is the second biggest manufacturing sector in the capital, so food businesses cutting down on saturated fat, sugar and salt will have a huge impact on making us healthier. This is a great initiative, Londoners want to be able to go out and enjoy a delicious meal and know it is healthy at the same time."