On the 16 of June 2017, Minimum nutritional standards for catering in health and social care were launched in Northern Ireland. The nutritional standards have been developed to promote healthy eating amongst staff and visitors in hospital restaurants and cafes.

The standards are food-based and were developed following the Eatwell Guide. The standards apply to all facilities within health and social care settings that serve food and beverages, including privately owned retail units and vending machines. The standards should be followed during both the procurement process and menu planning.

The standards were developed jointly by the Public Health Agency, the Food Standards Agency and safefood. The work fits under the "A Fitter Future for All 2012-2021" obesity strategy for Northern Ireland.

For more information on maintaining a healthy diet while eating out take a look at our healthy menu options.