New Web-based Nutritional Analysis System For Caterers

June 2006

 
A new web-based nutritional analysis system has been introduced for caterers as they strive to meet the Government’s stringent nutrient standards on school meals.
 

Leading catering software specialist, Fretwell-Downing Hospitality, has adapted its successful software program Saffron Nutrition as an online subscription-based facility, primarily for school caterers, but with benefits too for other sectors such as the prison service and nursing homes.

The system enables users to log on and input each recipe ingredient or bought-in product for analysis and benchmarking against the 14 nutrient standards that primary schools will have to comply with by September 2008, with secondary schools following a year later.

Based on the industry-recognised McCance and Widdowson food composition database and the Caroline Walker Trust’s nutritional guidelines, Saffron Nutrition online produces a report that will meet Ofsted’s reporting requirements.

The report shows where a menu matches the standards and the percentage variance if it fails to meet or exceeds any of the nutrient levels, allowing caterers to make ingredient adjustments quickly and easily.

Andrew Markwell, MHCIMA, Fretwell-Downing Hospitality’s business development explains: “The complexity of the nutrient standards is presenting a real challenge as they will virtually require caterers to be nutritionists when it comes to balancing a menu according to the 14 key nutrients.

“As well as helping to alleviate much of the pressure associated with complying with the standards, the web service will also give caterers a complete cost breakdown to ensure schools are meeting their target spend per pupil.”

Charles Mobbs, FHICMA, managing director of Fretwell-Downing Hospitality added: “The beauty of the system is that it can be applied to any situation where nutritional balancing of meals is already, or is going to become, important, particularly as it can provide the necessary assurances.

“The web version provides the flexibility of use for caterers without them having to invest in the software.”

Saffron Nutrition also usefully flags up when a recipe or product has an allergy-triggering ingredient such as nuts or gluten.
 
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