Merton’s food standards are one of the highest in London and have risen in the last year, the Good Food for London 2012 report has found.

Merton ranks second in the capital after Islington, which came top. Merton was also credited as the most improved London borough for good food since last year. Points are awarded across seven food schemes: community food growing, Fairtrade food, Food for Life in schools, Sustainable Fish City, Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards, Healthier Catering Commitment and bees and honey.

The Good Food for London 2012 report provides a league table of local authorities on their support for key good food initiatives, such as community food growing, high quality school food, helping local food outlets serve healthier food, and buying ethical food in schools and local authority canteens – including Fairtrade products, cage-free eggs and sustainable fish.

Cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, Councillor Andrew Judge, said: “Eating well is a key part of being fit healthy and it’s important that we are dedicated to supporting good food initiatives. It is great that Merton is one of the best and most improved boroughs for good food.”

ENDS