11 November 2008

There have been several misleading articles in the national media today about Guildford Borough Council threatening to close street traders if they do not provide a healthy option to their customers.  This is not true.

Traders are assessed on a number of conditions and no-one has or would be closed down or refused a license because they had not complied with guidance on providing healthy options.

The advice is not new, the Council issues sensible advice on healthy eating options and has done so since the early 90s. We do not want to restrict traders or people’s personal choice on food but are simply trying to ensure that a few healthy options are always available.

Most traders are more than happy to comply.  The advice is very much in line with increased national interest in healthy food.  If people want to eat a bacon sandwich or have mayonnaise on their salad we are certainly not going to try to stop them – we just want them to have a choice.

The Council's encouragement of a healthy lifestyle is in line with a number of national initiatives.

Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB

Tel: 01483 444328
Email: pr@guildford.gov.uk