Launch of new Slough 'Catering for Health' Awards
Slough Borough Council will be launching its new Catering for Health Awards initiative at its Slough Safe Food Awards ceremony on September 27.
The awards ceremony praises eateries for their high standards of hygiene and food safety.
The new initiative will give recognition to catering companies in Slough who offer residents healthier meals by reducing ingredients, such as salt, fat and sugar.
Only the eateries in the Slough borough who have gained a Food Safety Award can enter into the new initiative. For more information log onto the food inspection website and the new Catering for Health certificate will help to boost a business’ reputation.
To apply, catering companies have to look closely at their menus and cooking methods and see how they can maximise the use of fruit, vegetables and starchy foods (breads, pasta, rice and potatoes).
They also need to look at how they can reduce ingredients which they don’t necessarily need, such as fat, sugar and or salt.
To help with this, the council has produced a checklist for businesses, who in turn, cross off the points relevant to them and send it back to the council to be considered for the award.
Commissioner for public protection, Slough Cllr John Edwards, said “As a council which is concerned for the well-being of local residents, we want it to be easy for people to know where they can eat healthy food.
“Businesses that receive one of these awards will be able to show that they are not only a safe and hygienic establishment, but that they offer healthy meals, too.
“The new Catering for Health initiative is a great incentive for eateries to start looking at the ingredients they use in their recipes – and develop their reputation as a super place to eat.”
“Not only will it promote healthier eating for residents, but it should also boost business as so many people these days are becoming more aware of the importance of a healthy diet.
“Many would like the option to have healthier meals and add their own salt and sugar, rather than having it added without their knowledge.
“We are not suggesting that eateries cook completely differently than they normally do, just cut back on certain ingredients and allow customers to make their own choice.”
Slough Borough Council