Healthier Food And Special Diets: New Qualification From The Royal Institute Of Public Health, UK

Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 04 Oct 2007 - 6:00 PST

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The Royal Institute of Public Health is launching a new qualification to teach people how to prepare healthier food and cater for special diets.

Dr Alan Maryon-Davis, Chair of the Royal Institute, says "Ill health associated with poor diet affects many people from all walks of life. It is vital to promote and encourage healthy eating through education, particularly when vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and patients in hospital are involved. This new award will help ensure that the message reaches those responsible for catering in many different settings."

We are all familiar with headlines about increasing levels of obesity, but of course diet also affects our health in other ways. Reducing salt intake can help lower blood pressure and around 1 in 10 adults say that they avoid certain foods due to an allergy or intolerance1. And specific vulnerable groups, such as those in care homes for the elderly, need a good level of nutrition to maintain their health and quality of life.

Anyone involved in menu planning has to pick their way through a minefield of special dietary needs, whether working in care homes, schools, health and community care, hospitality or retail food outlets. This qualification provides knowledge and understanding of the benefits of healthy eating and how to cater for special diets.

It also covers the links between diet and health, nutritional principles and different types of special diets.

The Royal Institute of Public Health works with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and the Sector Skills Councils to offer awards at various levels within the National Qualifications Framework. The knowledge and understanding gained on this Level 2 course will enable employees to provide healthier meals and therefore an improved service. It will also help employers ensure they meet the national minimum standards set by the Government for food served in schools, homes for the elderly and other care establishments.

Anyone interested in offering this qualification to their staff or students should contact Tony Varey at the Royal Institute of Public Health or visit the RIPH website http://www.riph.org.uk.

The Royal Institute of Public Health was founded in 1886. Based in London, it is a leading independent body with an international reputation dedicated to the promotion, practice and protection of the highest standards of public health. It offers a wide range of public health related qualifications delivered through an extensive network of training centres nationwide. The Royal Institute enjoys the patronage of Her Majesty The Queen, an honour that has been conferred by the Sovereign continuously since 1897. The Royal Institute is a registered charity.

1 Allergies and 'free from' foods, Food Standards Agency consumer survey.

Royal Institute of Public Health