Restaurants, takeaways, sandwich bars and other caterers in London are being encouraged to sign up to the Healthier Catering Commitment, a voluntary scheme which allows food businesses to apply for an award if they can demonstrate a commitment to offering healthier options.

The scheme is run by the council and is backed by both the Mayor of London and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH). There are currently 22 London Boroughs taking part in the scheme.

What are the benefits?

The scheme will be promoted within Merton to increase public awareness of the benefits of eating in premises that offer healthier food and drink options. You will be given a certificate and window sticker to promote your achievement in your premises.

A list of award holders will also appear on this webpage which is regularly accessed by members of the public.

Food businesses in the past have found that participating in the scheme has helped to:

• Increase the numbers of customers visiting the business
• Increase secondary spending as people have remained on the premises longer

The scheme publicly recognises caterers who are seen to be;

• Committed to promoting good health by providing a range of foods that meet customer demands for healthier choices.
• Committed to providing a good standard of hygiene and food safety by achieving a rating of three or above in the Food Standards Agency (FSA) Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.

Why should food businesses 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.

This voluntary scheme is aimed at encouraging food outlets to reduce the saturated fat and salt content of their food, make smaller portions available and promote healthier alternatives. It is based on the principle that small changes can make big differences.

Who is eligible to participate in the scheme?

All types of catering establishments are eligible to apply for the award under the scheme, including restaurants, canteens, cafes, takeaways, bars, pubs, sandwich bars, caterers and leisure centres.

How do food businesses apply for the award?

If you are interested please contact healthyfood@merton.gov.uk.

Food businesses in Merton that have been awarded the Healthier Catering Commitment award

Related websites

• Food hygiene ratings (Food Standards Agency website)
• LiveWell Merton website
• Good Food for London (Sustain website)

Contact us

Environmental Health Commercial
Environment and Regeneration
Merton Civic Centre
London Road
Morden
Surrey
SM4 5DX
Tel: 020 8545 3025
Email: healthyfood@merton.gov.uk