Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council - Dudley Food For Health Award

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Dudley Food For Health Award

The current list of caterers with certificates is available to view

What are ‘Dudley food for Health’ awards?

The awards are a way of helping both customers and businesses. The aim is to draw attention to where healthy and nutritious menu choices are available. This contributes to improving everyone’s diet and health.

The scheme is run jointly by Dudley Council’s environmental health officers and nutrition advisors from Dudley Primary Care Trust.

Certificates are awarded for display and premises with awards are also listed on these webpages.

Does the business need good hygiene standards?

Yes, to progress towards an award, businesses will first need:

At least a three-star food safety and hygiene rating. These ‘Scores-on-the-doors’ ratings are made when environmental health officers make their compulsory inspections.

Actions in place to protect the environment – recycling of cans or bottles, for example.

What are the various levels of the award?

The award categories are bronze, silver, gold, platinum and ‘healthier takeaway’.

The difference between these levels is determined by how many ‘healthy catering actions’ are achieved. The full requirements for each level can be viewed on the website of Dudley Primary Care Trust (then follow the link to ‘Dudley Food for Health Criteria ‘ within the ‘Policy and Documents’ box).

Examples of ‘healthy catering actions’ from the various lists include:

cooking methods and ingredients consistent with healthy catering practices
fruit and vegetables available
reduced fat dairy products exploited
a range of healthier drinks available
sauces, dressings and butter should be optional
use of higher fibre goods exploited
snack foods available which are lower in fat, sugar and salt
menu extended in favour of healthier options
pricing policy encourages customers to choose fruit and vegetables

What sort of ‘actions to protect the environment’ need to be in place?

Example actions are:

recycling cans or glass or cardboard
using re-useable containers for food
purchasing paper products with a high recycled fibre content
purchasing goods in packaging which uses recycled, recyclable or minimal materials
minimising transport of supplies or food by purchasing locally where possible
using low energy light bulbs or recycled plastic bags and sacks.

How can a caterer work towards getting a Dudley Food for Health Award?

Involvement by caterers with the Dudley Food for Health scheme is entirely voluntary. For more details, click on the link below to the document “An award celebrating the work of caterers”.