Alfresco in St Ives is awarded a prestigious gold level CHEFS award

Last updated: 16/05/2011 Add to My Bookmarks Subscribe

Alfresco, The Wharf, St Ives has been presented with its second successive prestigious Gold level CHEFS Award in recognition of its commitment to offering healthy menu options using locally sourced food.

The Award means that Alfresco will be able to display the distinctive blue logo which tells customers that it has adopted and maintains a high degree of food safety and standards; provides and promotes a selection of local foods as well as using healthier cooking methods.

Cornwall Council Environmental Health Technician Martin Holland presented the Award to owner Paul Gill who said “We are proud to accept this important award for the second time. We pride ourselves in using seasonal, local produce and offering fresh, healthy food.”

Launched in October 2005, the Cornwall Healthier Eating and Food Safety (CHEFS) Awards are awarded by Cornwall Council’s food safety officers working with in partnership with Eatsome/NHS Health Promotion Service, change 4 life and the Council’s trading standards officers.

Cornwall Council Environmental Health technician Martin Holland, said: “This is the most prestigious award we give and reflects extremely high standards in food safety and hygiene, combined with offering a wide range of healthier food choices, incorporating local produce, to the customer. The staff at Alfresco have worked tremendously hard, and should be very proud of this achievement.”

Customers will have a guarantee that a percentage of the items on the menu are sourced locally. However, businesses are not expected to ensure that every dish served or item sold meets all the criteria - it’s about choice.

Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, Lance Kennedy, said: “This is a prestigious award and Alfresco is to be heartily congratulated. If customers are able to choose between a traditional recipe made using local produce, and it is a healthier option, it’s win-win for all concerned”.

The award has three levels: the prestigious gold award, silver and bronze. There are criteria at each level which have to be met.

If a business is successful in gaining an award they will get a certificate and a window sticker for display. They will also be added to a list of current award winners.

Most food businesses in Cornwall can apply. A detailed information pack for businesses about the CHEFS Award scheme, which includes tips on using healthier ingredients and local produce, modifying recipes to cut down the amount of fat, sugar and salt, and advice about the different Trading Standards requirements required to achieve the three levels of award,is available. If you would like to nominate a business for the award or you run a business,  please e-mail envhealthandlicensing@cornwall.gov.uk or telephone 0300 1234 212 and ask to speak to an officer in the food safety team.

Story posted 13 May 2011