Healthier options for young diners

ALTERNATIVES to chips and fizzy drinks will soon be offered to children dining at hotels.

The Irish Hotels’ Federation launched a national campaign yesterday — the first of its kind in Europe — aimed at promoting healthy eating in hotels and guesthouses.

The federation will provide chefs with “healthy preparation guidelines” along with “family-friendly menus”, which will be changed seasonally.

The initiative will begin in May and will run in partnership with dietitian Margot Brennan.

Federation president Mathew Ryan announced the initiative at the 70th annual conference here yesterday.

“Healthy eating habits are established early in life, so our aim is to assist parents choose healthier food options for their children,” said Mr Ryan.

This year Irish hotels and guesthouses will prepare more than five million meals for children which, according to the federation, provides a significant opportunity to promote healthy eating among younger guests.

Part of the healthy eating guidelines include eliminating salt in preparation and cooking, providingalternatives to fizzy drinks and chips and using vegetables and fruit more imaginatively.

Ms Brennan said: “Food eaten outside the home tends to be higher in recommended rates of fat and lower in overall nutritional quality. This initiative will be a significant step in providing healthy options for parents and children.”

Hotels and guesthouses will display a symbol to say they are taking part.