What are ‘Dudley food for Health’ awards?
The awards are a way of helping both customers and businesses by awarding a certificate to those businesses that offer health food choices. 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 NHS Dudley. Food businesses who meet the standard are awarded a certificate to display on their premises, and details of the award are also listed in the Food hygiene rating scheme ('score on the doors')
Diet and Health
The link between diet and our physical and mental health is now well established. A poor diet has been attributed to a number of diseases including coronary heart disease (CHD), strokes, type 2 diabetes, certain digestive disorders, some cancers and poor mental health. Cancer and CHD account for 60% of all early deaths in the UK.
It has been estimated that diet may contribute to the development of one third of all cancers, and that increasing fruit and vegetable consumption is the second most important cancer prevention strategy, after reducing smoking (Department of Health, 2000).
NHS Dudley maintains a directory of Establishments Serving Healthier Food Choices for the Dudley Area, which lists caterers in the borough that offer healthy eating options.
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.
-
A satisfactory standard of record keeping in relation to food safety and hygiene.
What are the various levels of the award?
The award categories are:
-
bronze
-
silver
-
gold
-
platinum
-
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 NHS Dudley.
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 withthe 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”.
Current list of caterers with Dudley Food For Health certificates
Scores on the Doors is the food hygiene rating scheme where you can find the official hygiene ratings for food businesses in the borough. Information provided about each of the food businesses includes the details of their Dudley Food For Health Award.
For further information please see:
