British Takeaway Campaign launches ‘healthier choices' toolkit after calorie cap proposal
The British Takeaway Campaign (BTC) has launched a toolkit to help members offer healthier choices as the government looks to implement calorie limits on the sector.
The toolkit, available from the campaign's website, suggests a number of soft-touch measures - including offering smaller portion sizes, making sure water and low-sugar drinks are available, and not adding salt after cooking.
BTC chair Ibrahim Dogus said: "The BTC is launching the Takeaway Toolkit to support restaurants who want to respond to consumer demand for healthier options. We know many takeaway businesses have already made real progress and providing this support will help many more to do so.
"Most takeaway restaurants are small, independent businesses who face a confusing array of complex guidance and are unsure about where to start. Meanwhile, 42% see increased demand for healthier menu options being a key challenge over the next two years.
"Supporting these businesses, especially at a time when they face real financial pressures, such as rising rents, business rates and skills shortages, will ensure they can continue to thrive whilst doing their bit to promote healthy eating."
It comes as the Department for Health considers measures such as capping the maximum number of calories in dishes.
Under proposals published in December, pizza would be capped at 1,040 calories, while chips, waffles and mashed potatoes at 416 calories.
The industry is less restricted under the guidelines than other food providers, with coleslaw, potato salad, onion bhajis, pakoras, vol-au-vents, tempura prawns, Yorkshire puddings and prawn cocktails limited to 134 calories in supermarkets and 555 calories at restaurants.
Paul Scully, MP for Sutton and Cheam, added: "It's brilliant to see the British Takeaway Campaign launch an initiative to help takeaways offer healthier choices.
"Many takeaways across the UK are already making strong progress, and the Takeaway Toolkit's four simple steps will be invaluable in helping to spread best practice even further.
"I would encourage takeaway businesses across my constituency and the rest of the country to download the BTC's toolkit, and to make small tweaks to their menu which, when taken together, can add up to have a big overall impact."
