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7 Day Catering healthy programme receives top accolade

16th April 2008, 10:21am

Independent contract caterers, 7 Day Catering and Debenhams are celebrating after picking up an award for their healthy eating initiative from Peterborough Primary Care Trust (PCT).

The award recognises the efforts made on behalf of 7 Day Catering to ensure that all members of staff at Debenhams, one of the 150 contracts they run across the UK, have access to healthy eating options in their restaurant.

Peterborough Primary Care Trust (PCT) recently launched their "Healthy Weight Peterborough" campaign to get the region in better shape and the people of Peterborough fighting the battle of the bulge.

Catering manager at 7 Day Catering, Christina Folkes commented on the accolade: "The PCT got in touch with us to see how our Healthy 4U programme was helping people make healthier choices. They conducted a study of our offering in the workplace at Debenhams and we then went on to win the award.

"We're absolutely delighted to have our efforts recognised. Through improved communication, leaflets and marketing directly to the customer, as well as best practice cooking techniques we can offer some of the healthiest food in the workplace.

"Our Healthy 4U programme is based on key Government reports aimed at reducing the intake of fat, sugar and salt whilst increasing dietary fibre. Grilling rather than frying, using polyunsaturated rather than saturated fats, wherever possible introducing fibre into dishes, and offering vegetarian meals is the ethos behind the programme."

Figures compiled by Peterborough PCT show that the City's waist is expanding to a dangerous size, with more than 26,000 people in the city classified as obese, and just over 2000 as morbidly obese.

Jean Hughes, obesity consultant, Peterborough PCT, said, "Obesity can shorten life expectancy by up to nine years and can lead to an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, some cancers, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, respiratory disorders, osteoarthritis, psychological problems, sleep disorders, gallstone and muscular problems, such as back pain.

"With two out of three adults in Peterborough overweight or obese, this is a serious public health issue. We need to heighten peoples' awareness of overweight and obesity, and their associated risks, but more than that we need to work in partnership across the city to create a healthy weight Peterborough. This issue is bigger than just health."

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