The National Heart Foundation says it is in discussion with two foodservice operators who have applied to use its newly launched foodservice version of its well known Heart Foundation Tick.

The Heart Foundation used last week’s Fine Food Australia trade event to officially launch the foodservice market tick program that has been more than two years in development.

The launch included the serving of a three course tick-approved lunch to members of the foodservice industry that included a Thai-style green curry that had its saturated fat content reduced by more than 90% with the use of reduced fat evaporated milk instead of coconut cream.

The tick program will initially be targeted at contract caterers and small to medium franchises and chains.

Coral Colyer, business manager, foodservice, Tick Program, said such organisations would already have the strong processes in place that are required for operations to apply for the tick.

Businesses already have to have a HACCP based food safety program in place as well as a program of internal audits and also practice accurate portion control.

Colyer would not reveal the identity of those operators that has applied for the tick already.