There are 36 gold standards across 3 categories. If you can meet a number of these criteria (plus all core actions), you'll qualify for the Silver or Gold award, showing excellent commitment to the scheme.
1. Good practice and local economy
- Have all employees involved in handling food completed a minimum of Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene training?
- Do you provide employees with relevant training courses in healthier eating, nutrition or sustainable food practices?
2. Healthier eating
Deep fat frying, oils and fats
- Do your customers have the option of unsaturated or lower fat condiments, dressings or spreads?
- Do you use skimmed/semi-skimmed or non-dairy milk alternatives?
- Do you provide thick cut chips or potato wedges as an alternative to French fries/thin chips?
- Have you reduced the amount of red and processed meat in your dishes or on your menu?
- Do you use trimmed meat and poultry where possible?
- Do you choose to grill or steam any menu items as an alternative to frying?
Salt and sugar
- Do you buy low-salt stock cubes, gravy granules and/or sauces?
- Do you use reduced hole saltshakers?
- Has your business made any efforts to reduce the sugar content of any menu items?
Portion sizes
- Are portion sizes appropriately sized?
- Are smaller portions for main meals available for adults?
Fruit and vegetables
- Is salad and/or rice offered by default with meals as opposed to chips?
- Has your business made efforts to incorporate more vegetables into dishes where possible?
Inclusivity, promotion and marketing
- Does your menu include healthier options for people with dietary and/or cultural needs?
- Are healthier options displayed more prominently on menus?
- Are healthier options priced similarly to less healthy items?
- Does your business welcome breastfeeding on your premises?
3. Sustainability
Environmental monitoring and energy
- Does your business collect data on energy and water usage, and use this data to reduce consumption?
- Does you choose equipment with favourable energy efficiency ratings?
- Has your business introduced recycling of non-standard items?
Recycling
- Can customers bring in their own reusable cups for a discount on drinks?
- Is drinking/tap water always available and offered with food purchases?
- Is your business signed up for free to Refill Hertfordshire to provide free water refills to customers?
Food waste
- Does your business monitor the amount of food wasted from the kitchen?
- Has your business signed up to Guardians of Grub and made use of the free resources?
- Do you reduce edible food waste through local food bank donations or joining food saving schemes/apps?
- Do you have a policy that encourages surplus food to be offered to organisations that support vulnerable residents?
Carbon emissions and food miles
- Does your business monitor your own business mileage and emissions and use this data to reduce these values?
- Does your business make efforts to use food that is in season?
- Does your business have a no idling policy?
Procurement
- Is most of the meat you serve from farms which satisfy UK animal welfare standards?
- Does your business buy, use and serve fairtrade products where possible?
- Does your business purchase sustainable takeaway packaging and utensils?
- Does your business choose to only purchase sustainable chemicals and cleaning products?