A SCHEME to help people enjoy eating out while staying healthy has launched in Maldon.

Restaurants and takeaways are being urged to sign up to Maldon District Council’s Tuck IN campaign.

Funded by Essex County Council it aims to get businesses pledging to reduce levels of salt, fat and sugar in their meals.

In return, businesses that sign up to the campaign will be able to take advantage of free online nutrition training.

One of the first food businesses to sign up to the campaign in Maldon was House of Delight, a Chinese restaurant and takeaway in High Street.

The restaurant has pledged to use rapeseed oil to help reduce fats when cooking as well as making efforts to reduce salt and sugar where possible.

Miriam Lewis, leader of Maldon District Council, said; “We are delighted to be promoting this initiative in the Maldon District after this initiative had been brought to my attention by councillor Beverley Acevedo who runs a restaurant in Chelmsford.

“This initiative also supports one of our key outcomes to promote healthy lifestyles for our residents.

“I hope that many other businesses take this opportunity to pledge a healthier menu choice and help gain a competitive edge for their business.”

Eddie Cheung, owner of the House of Delight, added: "As part of the Tuck IN project, we are making our customers aware of the healthier options we offer. 

"We currently use rapeseed oil for all our cooking and the majority of our portions are based on a ratio of two parts vegetables to one part meat/poultry/fish.

"Seasoning stir-fry dishes with garlic and ginger allows the gradual phasing of reduced salt. As part of our pledge to Tuck IN, we also aim to lower the addition of sugar in our cooking."

For more information visit maldon.gov.uk.