Enfield Council is implementing measures to encourage healthier food options and address the impact of fast-food outlets on public health, with the long-term goal of tackling obesity and improving diet-related health inequalities across the borough.

During a meeting of the Healthy and Safe Communities Scrutiny Panel on March 18, 2026, councillors discussed the ongoing efforts to promote healthier eating habits. Councillor Alev Cazimoglu, Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care, highlighted that while the council's licensing powers are limited regarding fast-food outlets, various initiatives are in place to encourage healthier choices.

One key initiative is the Healthy Catering Commitment (HCC), which encourages takeaways, cafes, and schools to sign up to specific standards. To join the HCC, businesses must support healthier food preparation, use improved oils, provide calorie information, and increase the availability of healthier options. Compliant businesses can display the HCC certificate or window sticker. The approach focuses on supporting businesses to offer proportionate alternatives without removing core menu items, with work including product reformulation, improved shop layout, and signage. In the first quarter of 2025/26, five new premises joined the HCC, and 36 healthier product lines were introduced in Enfield stores.

The HCC is part of broader policy measures aimed at influencing healthier purchasing behaviour. Officers also noted that a Healthy Advertising Policy, similar to the successful model used by Transport for London, is being considered. This policy aims to reduce the visibility of high-fat, salt, and sugar products while ensuring commercial viability for businesses. The approach involves supporting businesses to offer proportionate alternatives without removing core menu items, and work includes product reformulation, improved layout, and signage.

The panel also heard that a publicly visible rating system for healthy catering standards, akin to food hygiene ratings, is being explored. Officers welcomed the suggestion and agreed to take it away for consideration.

More information on the council's work can be found in the Public reports pack for the Healthy and Safe Communities Scrutiny Panel meeting on March 18, 2026. Public reports pack 18th-Mar-2026 19.00 Healthy and Safe Communities Scrutiny Panel