Two of the UK’s leading catering operators that strive to serve healthier fish and chips to school children have been revealed today (Tuesday 28 November) as part of the 30th anniversary National Fish & Chip Awards, organised by Seafish.

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Shortlisted as finalists for ‘Fish & Chip Friday’ – The School Meal Education Award - one of 15 categories in the 2018 National Fish & Chip Awards – the two businesses that will now compete for the top title in this award category are: 

North Tyneside Council in North Shields, Tyne and Wear Ravenscliffe High School and Sports College in Halifax, West Yorkshire

Making a welcome return to the 2018 awards, the ‘Fish & Chip Friday’ – The School Meal Education Award has been reintroduced to recognise and reward independent school catering operators and local council catering departments that serve healthier fish and chips and other seafood dishes to pupils.

To reach this stage of the competition, the two businesses have been assessed against a wide variety of judging criteria, focusing strongly on the quality of produce sourced for school meals, preparation and cooking practices, along with their work to educate children on the health benefits of fish and chips.

Over the coming weeks, both finalists will receive a visit from an awards judge who will undertake further assessment of the business practices and procedures. The finalist catering teams will also win a ^seafood chef for the day^ prize where a leading seafood chef will deliver an in-school seafood cookery masterclass. Finalists will also be invited to attend a seafood skills training course at The Seafood School at Billingsgate, London as part of their prize.

Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive at Seafish, commented: "School meals have evolved tremendously in recent years, and we’ve seen a massive shift toward the offering of a wider range of healthier options. Catering operators and council departments recognise their responsibility to serve healthier fish and chips – a staple option on school menus - while still ensuring the beloved ‘Friday treat’ remains just that.

"With nutrition at the centre of many health education curriculums, it’s important that children are aware of the key ingredients included in their meals. Rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and fibre and made nearly entirely from natural products, fish and chips offer rich nutritional benefits.”

Peter Hill, Chief Executive at Middleton Food Products, said: "At Middleton Food Products, we believe wholeheartedly in fish and chips being part of a balanced, controlled diet, so are delighted to sponsor this award category.

"Fish and chips are a fantastic natural, nutritional meal and an excellent source of protein - far better than most other takeaway foods. A portion of fish and chips provides the body with carbohydrate, vitamins B6 and B12, vitamin C, iron, calcium, phosphorous, as well as the trace elements iodine, fluorine, zinc and some important dietary fibre.

"This award category provides a great opportunity to showcase how fish and chips can be an integral part of the school meals offered in our nation’s schools.”

The winner of the ‘Fish & Chip Friday’ – The School Meal Education Award will be announced at The National Fish & Chip Awards’ 30th anniversary ceremony in London on 25 January 2018.

For more information follow@FishnChipAwards #FishnChipAwards on Twitter.