London Food Board's response to London 2012 Food Vision

Rosie Boycott, the Chair of London Food, (Monday 7 December) responded to the publication of LOCOG's Food vision for 2012.

Rosie Boycott, said: 'The London Olympic and Paralymic Games has the potential to be a feast for all the senses so it is right that high quality food is a central part of this experience. There is a huge opportunity to use the catalysing impact of the Games to boost food and farming standards across London, the UK and the world.
'Therefore, I am pleased to see a range of solid commitments by LOCOG and the Olympic sponsors in this final report to achieving high standards of healthy, ethical and sustainable food. As a Fairtrade city it is fitting that the London Games is committing to a wide selection of these products being available. I am also pleased that only fish from sustainable sources will be allowed and that caterers will be encouraged to use local and seasonal food.

'I am keen that there is now more work undertaken to ensure that higher standards, particularly in relation to animal welfare and environmental standards for farming, are mandatory rather than aspirational as currently stated in the report. For example, there is currently no specified target for the proportion of high welfare Freedom Food accredited meat to be served, or for organic products. It is also vital that small and medium businesses local to London are given a fair opportunity to take a share of the contracts coming from this prestigious event. This will help to reduce the food miles associated with the Games as well as help to stimulate job creation in the capital.

'Catering for the London 2012 operation will be a truly mammoth task. The organisers have pushed the boundaries in producing this Food Vision - a first for a summer Games. I look forward to continuing my association with 2012 organisers to see that maximum potential is extracted from this once in a lifetime opportunity.'

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. To view the Food Vision, visit: http://www.london2012.com/news/2009/12/london-2012-will-serve-best-of-british-food-at-the-games.php
2. London Food works to develop activities and policies, which support a sustainable food system in the capital. This includes: 

• Reducing the environmental impact of London's food chain
• Supporting a vibrant food economy, especially through education and skills development and enhancing the status of food workers 
• Improving Londoners' health via the food they eat and reducing health inequalities
• Improving access to food (particularly through planning and regeneration) and celebrating London's culinary cultural and ethnic diversity 
• Developing London's food security

Issued by the Press Office, MAYOR OF LONDON, City Hall