Olympics puts fairtrade and free range food on 2012 menu

08 December 2009

By Else Kvist

OLYMPIC organisers yesterday outlined their food vision for 2012.

Over 14 million meals will be served to athletes and spectators during the Games in what is said to be the largest peace time catering operation in the world.

The vision sets out benchmark and 'aspirational' standards for sourcing food.

All dairy products, beef, lamb and poultry must be British. Bananas, tea, coffee, sugar and chocolates will be Fairtrade or ethically sourced.

Fish on the menu must be from sustainable species and have been caught 'responsibly'.

Eggs must be free range and British Lion marked. RSPCA Freedom Food Certified chicken will also be available.

Green Party London assembly member Jenny Jones welcomed the standards for fair-trade and sustainable food. But she expressed disappointment that not all the 31 tonnes of chicken to be served will be free range and that no targets for organic or unprocessed foods have been set.

Ms Jones said: "It is exasperating that the Olympic strategy has failed in animal welfare standards."

The food vision was published to coincide with the beginning of a push to sign up catering outlets and suppliers for the Games

Companies are being urged to register online if they're interested in contracts.