Nutritional standards

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• 2 March 2022

NI nutritional standards published for food served to staff and visitors in healthcare settings

The Department of Health Northern Ireland have published Nutritional Standards for staff and visitors across health and social care catering facilities including retail outlets and vending. The food-based standards have been developed by the Public Health Agency, the Food Standards Agency and safefood. These standards were first introduced in 2017 and have now been updated. The standards aim to make the healthier choice the easier choice.  

The Standards apply to all facilities that serve food or beverages to staff or visitors operating within health and social care settings. This includes catering facilities, privately owned retail units and vending machines. The standards use the Eatwell Guide as a reference and include standards for each food group. Food and environment standards for the promotion and display of healthier options are also included. 

Updates to the standards include:

• Increasing the amount of fruit, vegetables and wholegrains
• Decreasing the amount of saturated fat, salt and processed meats
• Guidance for vending machines
• Food environment standards for the promotion and display of healthier options

Read the full Nutritional Standards in Health and Social Care.