Better Oils, better heart health

Wednesday 9 October, 2024

As part of ongoing efforts to increase awareness of healthy living choices, Tamworth Regional Council has launched the Better Oils program, a proactive initiative which focuses on encouraging local food businesses to switch to a healthier oil option by June 30 2025. The program aligns with two key Council objectives; Improve the health outcomes for all residents and; Promote and increase awareness of healthy living.

The Better Oils program aims to decrease residents’ consumption of excessive saturated and trans fats when dining out, by encouraging local food businesses to prepare food using healthier cooking oils. This initiative is an important step toward reducing heart disease rates in the Tamworth region.

Health experts warn of the significant impact that dietary fats and oils have on the risk of developing heart disease. High consumption of saturated and trans fats is a leading contributor to cardiovascular issues, raising blood cholesterol levels and contributing to atherosclerosis.

Tamworth Regional Council Director of Liveable Communities, Gina Vereker highlighted the long-term goal of Council to decrease heart disease risk within the community.

"We have been proactive in promoting heart health through the introduction of smoke-free policies in the CBD and enhancing public spaces to encourage more pedestrian and physical activity. The Better Oils program is yet another opportunity for us to advocate for healthier choices and reduce heart disease risk in the community," Ms Vereker said.

Local food businesses are encouraged to participate and can register their interest by emailing trc@tamworth.nsw.gov.au. Participants who meet the program criteria will go into the draw to win one of three free Primary Food Business Inspections for the 25/26 financial year. Participating businesses will display a Better Oils support sticker at their place of business.

Sumit Barman from Burger Urge Tamworth said the team is excited to register as part of the program.

“We believe that using better oil leads to a better life and a better burger. We are looking forward to seeing how this change will lead to better health outcomes for our customers and enhance our menu” he said.

The program began on Tuesday 1 October 2024. For more information about the Better Oils program, please visit Public Health | Tamworth Regional Council (nsw.gov.au).