The SUGARWISE catering mark on school menus means that the menus provide options that are low in “free sugars”. These are sugars and sweeteners that need to be limited in the diet and are contributors to childhood obesity and tooth decay.
These guidelines are for any school caterer that is interested in demonstrating their commitment to free sugar reduction:
Breakfast/After School Clubs: 3.8g per portion or 19g per week
Snacks/Baking/Birthdays: No more than 19g per week
Lunch: No more than 5.7g free sugars per portion or 28.5g per week
(all quantities averaged over the week)
“No free sugars” days can be highlighted using the SUGARWISE logo.
According to the World Health Organisation, “free sugars”, which are sugars added to food as well as sugars naturally present in honey, fruit juice and syrup, should be limited to no more than 5% of daily calorie intake. These rigorous standards have been calculated to ensure that all children receive no more than 5% of their calories from free sugars in line with public health advice.
The inclusion of SUGARWISE days, with no free sugars, can give caterers more flexibility with per portion guidelines for special events and is reflective of natural eating behaviour.
Primary Catering Standards Summary
SUGARWISE Primary Menu Example
Sugarwise Introductory Price List Catering (Available until September 30, 2019)
Application-Form-SUGARWISE Catering Mark
Early Adopters (caterers and schools signed up by September 30th 2019) maintain these rates. From October 1st 2019 enrollment for new members, is as follows:
Sugarwise Price List Catering (Prices after September 2019)
Testimonials:
Annette Ryan-Murphy, Managing Director of Nourish says: “Nourish Contract Catering are proud to be the first to be awarded the SUGARWISE mark for our Primary School menus. This means our menus are the first to provide options low in “free sugars” – the sugars that need to be limited in the diet as they are contributors to childhood obesity and tooth decay. We have one SUGARWISE day a week with no free sugars in any of our dishes. This helps to keep weekly average sugar intake down to public health guideline amounts. We believe in the importance of ensuring all food served to our children meets SUGARWISE’s rigorous standards. We hope that more schools and caterers follow suit in the interest of safeguarding the health of the children and communities they serve.”
Dr Giles Yeo, Cambridge University says: “Obesity levels are soaring and the costs of inaction will be devastating. SUGARWISE certification of schools is a positive and pragmatic means of addressing this challenge. By getting certified, schools and caterers demonstrate their commitment to doing their part in reducing sugar intake in children and show they are serious about following public health guidelines. As part of the broader strategy to reduce levels of obesity in children, we would hope to see many more schools be certified. Every single school that participates in the scheme is making an incremental and important contribution to the solution.”
Lucy Nethsingha MEP says: “Across many European countries including Germany, Belgium and the UK, there are no limits legally set on how much sugar children consume in schools. I’m delighted to help launch the SUGARWISE sugar label for Europe and would hope that as many as possible of our European schools will participate. It is a great way of demonstrating their commitment to sugar reduction and children’s health. We know that unless we act decisively, the obesity crisis will overwhelm health systems across Europe.”
Catering Companies Signed Up To SUGARWISE Certfication Scheme:
Nourish Contract Catering is the first SUGARWISE certified school caterer. Established in 2003 by Annette Ryan Murphy, Nourish Contract Catering broke boundaries, providing fresh, wholesome meals against a backdrop of unhealthy food in schools. Since then the business has evolved. Working with over a hundred contracts, in partnership with primary and secondary schools as well as Business & Industry, Nourish maintains a food first focus. Small enough to care, but big enough to deliver, Nourish guarantees fresh food, contented clients and enthusiastic employees.
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Industry leaders in education catering, HCL is an entirely customer-driven organisation, delivering innovative solutions to the challenges of a fast-developing market and a demanding customer base. Working in partnership and supporting each client’s objectives. HCL creates an enhanced meal service with increased participation.
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Please contact us using the below form to register your interest in our Catering Mark:
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More Coverage of the SUGARWISE Catering Mark
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