Using less salt, changing the type of oil used when cooking and providing sugar free drinks are just a few of the ways Barnet catering businesses are providing residents with healthier eating options.
With 75 per cent of UK residents eating out at least once a week, Barnet Council, working together with its partners in Public Health department, has created an initiative to properly recognise and applaud the healthy changes being made by retailers.
On Tuesday 13 September, Barnet Council recognised six of these businesses by awarding them with Healthier Catering Commitment certificates at a special presentation in its offices at North London Business Park.
Councillor Helena Hart, Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board, presented the businesses with their certificates and commended them for getting on board with this scheme.
Cllr Hart said: “It’s absolutely great to see businesses in Barnet getting on board with this Barnet scheme and taking a genuine interest in helping to improve the health of our community. By making small but significant changes both to the ingredients they use and to the methods of cooking they employ, restaurants and cafes can make a huge difference to people’s health. I am especially pleased with all the efforts they have made to reduce added salt and to use much healthier types of fats and oils. And healthy options do not have to mean bland uninteresting food – I can certainly attest to that having eaten in several of the award winning restaurants over the last few years. I challenge all of our Barnet food outlets to follow the fantastic examples we have seen today and to come up with their own healthy ways to make a difference.”
The Barnet businesses which received certificates and Gold Awards on Tuesday were Likya, Two Brothers Fish Restaurant, The Atrium Café and Oliver’s Fish and Chips with Tintico Café and Monica’s Sandwich Bar receiving certificates and Silver Awards. Café Grill, Bell Lane Café and King’s Café also received certificates but were unable to attend the event.
Food outlets that sign up to the programme, and successfully meet the required criteria, receive a window sticker to promote their award. Businesses that make significant changes to their cooking techniques and food choices are awarded with Barnet’s Silver or Gold commitment to excellence.
If you would like to join the increasing Barnet food outlets in becoming a Healthier Catering Commitment business, you can contact Barnet Council on 020 8359 7995 or by emailing foodsafety@barnet.gov.uk