National Food & Drink Policy published

Following last year’s consultation with the people of Scotland, the Scottish Government has now published Recipe for Success - Scotland's National Food & Drink Policy.

The policy is based on the report of the Food and Drink Leadership Forum. This forum took account of the recommendations from each of the five workstreams which were set up to consider in detail the key issues raised as a result of the food consultation.

You can find further details and view the full policy at
www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Food-Industry/national-strategy.

Food for Life Catering Mark
By Pam Rodway, Food for Life Manager, Soil Association Scotland

The Food for Life Catering Mark is a Soil Association accreditation scheme which recognises caterers who are serving freshly prepared, ethically sourced food.

The three tiers of Bronze, Silver and Gold allow caterers to make step-wise progress towards greater use of fresh, seasonal, local and organic ingredients, high-welfare meat and dairy products, and sustainable fish.

To achieve an award, a caterer needs to show that:

BRONZE

• Meals contain no undesirable food additives or hydrogenated fats.
• 75% of dishes are freshly prepared.
• Meat meets UK welfare standards, and eggs are from cage free hens.
• Menus are seasonal. 

SILVER 

• A range of local, organic and fair trade food is served.
• Chicken, eggs and pork products are high welfare (at least Freedom Food, free range or outdoor reared).
• No fish is served from the Marine Conservation Society ‘fish to avoid’ list.
• Information is on display about where the food has come from.

GOLD 

• At least 30% of ingredients are organic or Marine Stewardship Council certified.
• At least 50% of ingredients are locally sourced.
• Organic meat, dairy products or eggs are served as a welfare gold standard.
• Non-meat dishes are being promoted as part of a balanced, climate-friendly diet.

HRH the Prince of Wales at the launch of the Food for Life Catering Mark

The Food for Life Catering Mark was formally launched in the UK by HRH the Prince of Wales in Nottingham in February 2009.

Two Scottish catering services were presented with gold awards – Celtic Football Club's No.7 Restaurant and  East Ayrshire Council's school catering service, Onsite Services.

We are receiving interest from a wide range of catering services throughout Scotland, including Local Authority school meals services, independent schools, sports stadia and restaurants. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Pam Rodway at prodway@soilassociation.org or visit the website www.soilassociation.org.

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