Food Standards Agency
Thursday 28 August 2008
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We are working with catering companies to help consumers make healthier choices when eating out. We are encouraging companies to make commitments to reduce the amount of salt and saturated fat in their dishes, and help consumers maintain energy balance.
The types of action we are promoting include: reformulating dishes to reduce the amounts of saturated fat, salt and sugar, menu planning to introduce a wider range of healthier options, using healthier cooking methods and improving nutritional information provided to consumers.
Back to topFor many people, the food they eat in the workplace forms a large proportion of the food they eat out. Around three million meals are eaten at work every day, of which two million are prepared by contract caterers. Meals in the workplace are sometimes the only option for employees and they can account for at least one main meal per day, sometimes more.
We are working to:
This strategy supports our work with food retailers and manufacturers to encourage similar commitments, and as the strategy develops we intend to work with businesses in other sectors of the food service and catering industry – including family dining chains, pub and restaurant chains and quick service restaurants – and build on the good work that has already been carried out by some companies in these sectors. This will require an approach that fits the style of the business and the needs of their customers.
We are keen to hear about the work that is being done by food businesses to make food healthier and plans for the future, so that this can be fed into the strategy.
This work feeds into the Department of Health's Obesity Strategy 'Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives'. More information can be found at the link below.
Back to topThe Agency has published case studies from seven major UK employers, Asda, Pepsico, Nestlé, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury, Tesco and Unilever, that outline the processes undertaken to provide healthier food for their staff. The case studies will assist other companies setting up similar projects.
More information about the kind of approach we want to take with regard to healthy catering, and how your company can be involved.
The Agency is working closely with the largest workplace caterers operating in the business and industry sector in the UK to help them ensure their customers can make healthier choices when eating out.
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