News article
24 November 2020
Food businesses: Play your part in improving the health of your local communities
Back to list of articles
A new nationwide challenge is looking for food businesses to make their recipes
healthier and
improve dietary health in local communities across Scotland.
The challenge – Reformul8 – run by Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland, in
partnership
with Scotland's 32 local authorities, is open to all small to medium sized food
companies. This
includes food and ingredient manufacturers, butchers, bakers, cafés and
takeaways.
The businesses that take part in the challenge will receive free support to help
them select a
range of products to focus on and the best ways to make these healthier. This
could mean increasing
fibre, fruit and vegetables within foods. Alternatively, labelling could be
used
to recommend cooking
techniques, portion size and serving suggestions. Or fat, salt or sugars,
overall calories or portion
sizes could be reduced. A simple change could even be to replace a key
ingredient with a healthier
alternative.
Throughout the coronavirus outbreak, Scottish food businesses have worked
incredibly hard to
feed and to support their local communities. Now is an excellent time to
promote
the great work they
are doing. Each business taking part in the challenge will benefit from a range
of media support from
FDF Scotland to celebrate their achievements in making their products healthier
and ultimately
improving the health of their consumers.
Joanne Burns, Reformulation for Health Manager, FDF Scotland, said:
“Health is increasingly being seen by consumers as a key reason for choosing to
buy
certain food products. We recently carried out research where we found that 89%
of Scottish
consumers have at least one health goal and are actively seeking healthier food.
“I would encourage food businesses to get involved to support your consumers to
improve
their dietary health. I would also ask members of the public to promote this
challenge to your local
food heroes.
“Now is a great time for businesses to get in touch so you can start to look at
your recipes
ahead of the new year when your consumers will be even more focused on eating
more
healthily.”
If food businesses are interested in finding out more please email reformulation@fdfscotland.org.uk.
More information
Contact Kirsty Ritchie, Food and Drink Federation Scotland, at: kirsty.ritchie@fdfscotland.org.uk, or 0131 222 8040.
Back to list of articles