Scottish food award sets healthy example

Scotland's healthyliving award, which makes it easy for consumers to choose healthy options when eating away from home, has attracted the attention of the UK government and a number of English organisations. The healthyliving award appears as an example of good practice in Food Matters – Towards a Strategy for the 21st Century, a Cabinet Office report commissioned by the Prime Minister this month. The report provides a broad overview of the Government's food policy and includes a focus on providing consumers with information and advice when they eat out. The healthyliving award is used as a case study in this section to show how it is leading the way in helping consumers to make informed choices. Recent research has shown strong public support for healthier eating habits and a need for clear labelling of healthy options. Nearly 90% of people surveyed in 2007 agreed that healthy living was important to them, and 60% would like to have more information about the food that they buy. The award, funded by the Scottish Government and managed by the Scottish Consumer Council, was introduced in October 2006 to give recognition to food outlets which demonstrate a dedication to improving the nation's diet and general health. To date, more than 900 catering establishments have registered with the Scottish Consumer Council and nearly 350 have qualified for the award. A wide range of food outlets are award-holders, from workplace restaurants in major organisations such as RBS, Diageo and the NHS to smaller businesses such as sandwich shops and restaurants. Claire Brown, Project Manager for the healthyliving award, said: "We're very proud to be included in the UK government's report, which calls for stronger partnerships between Government and the food services industry to help enable consumers to make healthier choices. "Whether it's at workplace canteens, restaurants, sandwich shops or bars, people are eating away from home more often than they ever have before, so it's vital that consumers can choose healthy options when they want to.