Heartbeat Awards

The Northamptonshire Heartbeat Award is a nationally accredited award achieved by caterers who show continued commitment to customers by providing healthier food choices in a healthier environment.

The UK has one of the highest rates of heart disease and the most rapidly increasing rates of obesity in Europe. Eating a well balanced, healthier diet, inside and outside the home, will contribute towards better heart health and help to reduce the risk of ill health. Eating out in an establishment with a Heartbeat Award will assist you in making healthy choices.

In order to gain the award, caterers must adopt healthier food preparation methods and offer healthy options on the menu. High standards of hygiene also have to be maintained. There are two award levels, standard and gold. The criteria for each level are as follows:

     Heartbeat 

• Have at least a 3 hygiene rating for food hygiene under the Food Hygiene Rating scheme 
• Comply with the appropriate nutritional assessment criteria*
• Show basic allergy awareness
• Have a simple Heartbeat self-audit process

     Heartbeat Gold

• Have at least a 4 hygiene rating for food hygiene under the Food Hygiene Rating scheme
• Comply with the appropriate nutritional assessment criteria*
• Nutritional training to at least a level 2 standard for Manager/Supervisor
• Show basic allergy awareness
• Have a documented Heartbeat management system in place

* Nutritional criteria depends on the type of premises e.g. schools, early years settings, residential care homes (elderly) and general catering.

If you require further information about the award, are interested in applying or wish to nominate an establishment you feel deserves the award please contact us on:

Email:  commhealth@east-northamptonshire.gov.uk
Tel:      01832 742055