Debenhams bans unhealthy ingredients from cafés and restaurants

Department store chain Debenhams today announced that it has banned a number of unhealthy ingredients in all of the food products served at its restaurants and cafés.

The group has removed all hydrogenated fats, genetically modified (GM) ingredients and artificial (azu) colours from the menus at the dining outlets at its 166 stores across the UK and Ireland.

The move comes after Debenhams launched a £5m overhaul of its in-store restaurants earlier this year, including the update of interiors and menus.

Senior food and brand development manager Mark Kent said the move took months to implement.

"Banning hydrogenated fats, GM and azo colours has been on our agenda for some time but the logistics involved in banning every product which contains them are extensive," he said.

• Look out for Caterer's Healthy Eating Month coverage from 1 May.

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By Kerstin Kühn

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