Helping bexley food businesses offer healthier choices
The Healthier Catering Commitment (HCC) is a London-wide award scheme that supports food businesses in making small, practical changes to improve the healthiness of the food they provide.
The scheme recognises businesses that are committed to reducing the levels of saturated fat, salt and sugar in food sold, while increasing the availability of healthier options for customers.
The London Borough of Bexley is proud to support local businesses in creating healthier food environments across the borough as part of our wider healthy weight strategy commitment to improving health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities.
Why join the scheme?
The healthier catering commitment scheme if free to join and simple to operate. Businesses receive practical support from council officers to help them make achievable changes that can benefit customers and the business itself.
Businesses that achieve the award will receive:
- an official HCC certificate
- a healthier catering commitment window sticker
- promotion through council channels and partner networks
- recognition as a healthier food provider within Bexley
- ongoing support and advice from council officers
Small changes can make a big difference
Food eaten outside the home is often higher in salt, sugar and saturated fat than food prepared at home. The scheme focuses on simple and realistic improvements to food preparations and menu choices.
Examples of such healthier changes will be:
- using healthier cooking oils
- reducing salt and sugar
- offering smaller portion sizes
- increasing healthier menu options such as salads and vegetables
- improving cooking methods where possible
Who can apply?
The scheme is open to a wide range of businesses across the borough, whether you run a café, takeaway, restaurant, mobile food unit.
To be eligible, food businesses must:
- have a food hygiene rating of 3 or above
- meet a minimum of 8 HCC criteria, including the essential 4 during assessment
Essential Criteria include:
- reducing the amount of saturated fat in the food by swapping to a polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fat or oil, such as sunflower, corn or rapeseed oil
- reducing the amount of salt in the food by allowing customers to add their own salt to their food
- reducing the amount of sugar in drinks by offering and promoting water and low-sugar drinks.
- making smaller portions available for children and adults
View the full list of HCC assessment criteria
How the scheme works
Businesses interested in joining the scheme will receive support from Council officers throughout the process. The process includes:
- registering interest
- initial discussion or site visit
- assessment against HCC criteria
- practical advice and support on healthier alternatives where improvements are needed
- accreditation and promotion once criteria are met
Businesses that successfully meet the criteria will receive the HCC accreditation, which is valid for up to two years and reviewed periodically to ensure standards are maintained.
Register your interest
Complete the enquiry form.
Apply for the Healthier Catering Commitment Scheme
Contact Us
For further information about the Healthier catering commitment in Bexley:
- Make an enquiry
- Phone - 0203 045 3331