Healthier food for businesses

Studies show that at least one in five children eat from outside the home food outlets every week. These foods are often much higher in fat, sugar and salt and lower in nutrients, with meal deals popular for our budgets.

One way we can support people to maintain a healthy weight, and better health is by making it easier to choose healthier foods and drinks when eating outside of the home.

Examples of how healthier options can be achieved in practice

• Using healthier cooking practices eg grill instead of frying
• Promoting and increasing fruits, vegetables and wholegrains
• Decreasing levels of fat, sugar and salt in food and drink
• Increasing healthier options for children
• Using techniques to encourage children to enjoy and accept healthy options such as fruits and vegetables and healthier drinks on the menus

Healthy eating matters

Research by the Food Standards Agency shows that customers would like more healthy choices, and being able to access healthy options 'out of home' would influence them to eat healthier.

Obesity is an increasing epidemic in the UK and is suggested to contribute to more than 30,000 deaths a year in England. We know that an improved diet is linked to healthy weight and decreased risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

Tooth decay is a concern for our children, and lowering the amount of sugar consumed can support better dental health. As such, it's more important than ever for 'out of home' food to make it easier for everyone to eat healthy.

Calorie Labelling in the 'out of home' sector allows customers to make an informed decision about the food they choose and purchase.

Tighter controls on the Promotion and placement of less healthy foods in retail businesses will affect some food businesses.

Helping food businesses become sustainable provides information to help food businesses reduce the impact they have on the environment and climate change.