3 December 2002
A joint pilot project of the Chinese National Healthy Living Centres (CNHLC) and the Chinese Takeaway Association (CTA) - sponsored by the British Heart Foundation (BHF)

This November the Chinese National Healthy Living Centre (CNHLC), in partnership with The Chinese Takeaway Association (CTA) and sponsored by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), hosted its first training session in London for takeaway chefs to enable them to cook popular takeaway menu dishes in a healthier way.

This was a full day training session that allowing the participants to both observe and participate in the preparation of healthier dishes. In the session, led by a top consultant nutritionist, basic principles of good nutrition, importance of choice of cooking methods and the selection of ingredients were highlighted - and then put into practice.

"Not only is Chinese food delicious, with proper training it can also form the basis of a healthy diet," said Thomas Chan of the Chinese Takeaway Association.

"We expect participating takeaway restaurants to develop 'Healthy Choice' menu items that will supplement their regular menus.

"In order to get a certificate of approval from the British Heart Foundation, which will be displayed in restaurant windows, follow-up inspections will take place after the programme to ensure that the healthy cooking practices are being maintained."

Four more training days are planned for other UK cities in 2003. It is hoped that this will help raise standards of Chinese takeaway food still further by providing a healthy, low fat, low sodium and no MSG options to the wider public.

For further information, please contact Thomas Chan - 07957 484833.