Hounslow Council is working in partnership with local food businesses to make it easier for customers to find restaurants and takeaways serving healthier food.
Published: Friday, 7th October 2022
Recent Public Health England data, for Hounslow shows that 38.7 per cent of children in year six and 63.2 per cent of adults are overweight or obese. One of the biggest barriers to maintaining a healthy weight is the lack of healthy food and drink options.
The London Healthier Catering Commitment (HCC), is a voluntary scheme aimed at making simple changes to how food is prepared, cooked, and served, to reduce the amount of food that is high in fat, sugar, and salt.
The new scheme is designed to attract a network of local food businesses in the borough committed to offering their customers healthier choices when eating out, on the basis that small changes can make a big difference. That way, customers can decide where to dine, knowing that healthier options are available to them.
Commenting on the launch of the commitment in Hounslow, Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health Integration at Hounslow Council, said: “Staying a healthy weight can be a real challenge when there is so much unhealthy fast food available, so it is very inspiring to see food outlets playing their part. We encourage more to join the scheme to boost healthier options available throughout the borough. “
The first business to sign up to the scheme, Humble Thali, opened during the Covid-19 pandemic as a takeaway restaurant due to lockdown restrictions but has since opened its doors to welcome customers as a dine-in restaurant as well. Any businesses wishing to join can express their interest by email for an initial assessment.
Humble Thali owner, Abhijit Borkar, said, “We are delighted to be the first food outlet in Hounslow to sign up. It’s really easy to join and the support on offer has been great to help us lead the way. We felt it was important to be part of the positive impact it will have on our customers’ health allowing them to enjoy a guilt-free meal out.”
Participating businesses will receive support from the Council’s Public Health team to make the healthier changes and can display a certificate and window sticker to promote their participation in the scheme. They also receive a free online food safety training place in recognition of their efforts.
Reducing adult and childhood obesity is one of the Council’s top health priorities and HCC will help raise awareness of the healthier options available.
To find out more and sign-up, businesses should visit the Councils website or email HealthierCateringCommitment@hounslow.gov.uk
