AN INITIATIVE to encourage healthier eating out has been signed up to by four businesses in the past two years.

Tuck IN is an Essex-wide campaign in which independent takeaways, cafes, restaurants and sandwich bars commit to reduce salt, sugar and saturated fat in foods by changing how foods are selected, prepared and served.

So far in Epping Forest, four Sprays Bakeries outlets, Nicks Fish Bar, Elkaz Taverna & Restaurant and two Perfect Choice outlets display the purple sign of approval in their windows.

The council's website reads: "Although these changes are small, they can have a huge impact on the health of customers, especially if these foods are consumed regularly.

"By making the pledge to Tuck IN, businesses will be provided with free access to an online nutrition training course for a member of their staff and provide customers with a wider choice of foods."

By 2023, the council has pledged to sign up 42 more outlets to the programme and is currently looking for applicants.

Email contactus@eppingforestdc.gov.uk