Burton Road Chippy has received the Healthier Options Award after fulfilling their pledge to make healthy changes to its menu and food preparation.

Burton Road Chippy has become the latest member of the Lincolnshire wide scheme, and the first business in Lincoln, after introducing healthier options to their business in the City of Lincoln.

The free scheme, being delivered in partnership between Lincolnshire County Council – Public Health, North Kesteven District Council, City of Lincoln Council, South Kesteven District Council, East Lindsey District Council and West Lindsey District Council, encourages food businesses and restaurants to make changes to their menus, that are healthier and taste just as good, to help people eat more healthily.

Burton Road Chippy wanted to add to its menu and pledged to make a number of changes in order to become a Healthier Options member. They offer thick straight cut chips, poached and pan fried fish,  jacket potatoes and salads for alternatives and they have also pledged to offer a range of sugar free drinks and water in the restaurant and takeaway, as well as using semi-skimmed milk with their teas and coffees. They also offer sweeteners in their restaurant as an alternative to sugar.  These are just some of the examples of the pledges Burton Road Chippy have made.

Owner Des Anastasiou said, “It is fantastic to be the first business in Lincoln to achieve the Healthier Options Award. I think it’s really important for all food outlets to look at improving their healthier options. Fish and Chips often gets bad press for being unhealthy, but when it’s cooked correctly using quality ingredients, Fish and Chips are a natural and nutritious product!”

Cllr Mrs Sue Woolley, chair of the Lincolnshire Health and Wellbeing Board, said:

"Many of us eat a number of meals outside of the home, either at work or in cafes or restaurants, which can often be higher in calories, sugar, fat and salt. So to give people more choice, Healthier Options will work with local food outlets to include healthier ingredients, cooking techniques and dishes.

"It is a great way of providing healthier eating opportunities across the county. The aim is not to force people to eat healthier options, but to make them easier to find for those who want them when eating out. We are working with takeaways, restaurants, sandwich & coffee shops, mobile traders, leisure centres, canteens and more!"

People eat an increasing number of meals outside of home, either at work or in cafes or restaurants, which can often be higher in calories, fat and salt. To create more consumer choice, Healthier Options works with local food outlets to include healthier ingredients, cooking techniques and dishes.

Any businesses interested in making a Healthier Options pledge can contact the Healthier Options team by email: healthieroptions@lincolnshire.gov.uk. To be eligible for the scheme, businesses must have a minimum rating of 3 on the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.

For more about the project and how to join visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/healthieroptions