Compass Group Canada launches Balanced Choices program

09/09/05 Compass Group Canada, the country's largest foodservice management company, has announced the launch of Balanced Choices, a program aimed to assist Canadians in making healthier food choices in outlets operated by Compass Group. The program will guide consumers to more than 500 healthy food choices through a food symbol identification system and signage, on premises at various locations across Canada.

Recognizing the importance of their associates having better knowledge of nutritional trends, the Balanced Choices menu initiative requires all Compass Group chefs and food planners to take a mandatory nutritional education course to learn more about nutrition and how to prepare healthy foods.

Key Elements of Balanced Choices:

- Food Identification Symbols - Graphic symbols to alert consumers to menu items that are balanced (meet recommendations from Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating) and/or vegetarian.

- Nutrition Information Centre - A communication board will be prominently positioned in most Compass Group managed outlets to introduce consumers to the Balanced Choice symbols and provide nutrition and wellness information.

- Training - Training is a key focus of the Balanced Choices program. A mandatory 10-hour nutrition course will be completed by all associates in operating units in Business, Healthcare and College/Universities.

- Food and Nutrition Policy for School Dining - All schools will have a customized food and nutrition policy which guarantees that healthy food choices are available for all consumers.