Healthier Catering Commitment

             
 

The Healthier Catering Commitment (HCC) is a London-wide scheme that encourages caterers to make small changes to how food is prepared, and this can have a big impact on the health of customers. 

It recognises businesses that show a commitment to reducing saturated fats and salt in the food sold, to offer some healthy options (such as lower sugar drinks and snacks), and to make smaller portions available on request. 

Why it matters

Eating out is part of everyday life. But food eaten outside the home tends to be higher in saturated fats, salt and sugar. A diet high in these is linked to cardiovascular disease, the UKs biggest killer. The HCC helps food businesses to make small, meaningful changes, so customers can enjoy meals that support their wellbeing.

Key principles of the scheme

• Supports businesses in making small but impactful changes to cooking and serving practices
• Recognises businesses that actively reduce saturated fat, hydrogenated oil, salt, and sugar in the food they serve or sell 
• Encourages offering smaller portion sizes upon request
• Helps improve public health by making healthier food choices more accessible

Promoting and supporting healthier food businesses in Camden

We’re proud to support and promote catering businesses that prioritise healthier options for residents and visitors.

We celebrate those going the extra mile to:

• Use alternatives for unhealthy oils
• Reduce sugar and salt
• Increase menu options that include salads, vegetables, pulses, and fruit

Learn more about hydrogenated oils and why removing them from your diet may benefit your health.

How your business can benefit

• Grow your customer base – attract new and returning customers who are looking for healthier food options
• Enhance your reputation - be recognised and promoted as a responsible business that supports community wellbeing
• Publicity – get a certificate and sticker to display at your premises. And your business will be shown as receiving the Award on both Camden’s website, and the HCC London website.
• Support Camden’s public health goals – play your part in improving the health of residents and visitors, and reducing health inequalities
• Get free support – receive tailored advice and guidance to help you make practical, effective changes to your menu and to food safety. This includes support and coaching for Safer Food Better Business pack, free on-line food safety qualification, and allergen guidance.

The HCC is integral to Camden’s Food Mission, so that by 2030, everyone in the borough should be able to eat well every day – with healthy, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food, underpinned by safe food.

It also complements broader strategies such as:

We Make Camden – Food: A local vision for a fairer, healthier food system in Camden.

UK Government Food Strategy: A national framework considering the wider UK food system.

Together, these aim to create a more sustainable and health-conscious food culture for everyone in Camden.

Application and assessment 

Most catering businesses except schools, nurseries, care homes and hospitals that have specific nutritional guidelines can take part in the scheme, provided that:

• The business has good hygiene standards and has a Food Hygiene Rating (FHR) of at least 3 (ideally 4 or 5). You can read more about this at Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.
• There is no statutory nuisance arising from the business, for example from noise, odour or drainage

You can read more about the criteria and assessment for the Healthier Catering Commitment here. 

How to apply

If you want your business to join the Healthy Catering Commitment, please read, Healthier Catering Commitment criteria. 

Apply by completing the following form:

Apply to join the Healthier Catering Commitment for London 

If you have questions about the application process or criteria, contact us at foodsafety@camden.gov.uk.  

Look out for the logo

When you see the Healthier Catering Commitment logo, you can be confident that the business is making a genuine effort to offer healthier choices and meets minimum food hygiene standards.