CULINARY ART NOTES

With more and more people eating outside the home, caterers are in a strong position to influence customers.

Nearly 24 million adults in the UK today are overweight or obese. Levels of obesity have trebled in England over the past 20 years and are still on the increase. Figures for Scotland are similar and Wales has one of the worst health records in Europe. Healthy eating is not just about reducing obesity, however. Research work carried out at the Royal Marsden Hospital suggests that a third of all cancers are caused by poor diet. Diet can be linked to bowel cancer, stomach and lung cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis and tooth decay. Eating a balanced nutritional diet can protect us from these illnesses. Caterers should therefore be informed on healthy eating, and Chefs should provide a range of healthy menu options.