A new awards scheme to recognise the work by local authorities to improve food safety and better the diets of those in the community has been launched by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

The Food Champion scheme will ask local authorities across England and Wales to submit applications detailing the initiatives put in place.

Scotland and Northern Ireland may join the scheme after the initial pilot year.

The FSA has developed the Food Champion Awards with its partners, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Trading Standards Institute, the Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services, and the Improvement and Development Agency.

Local authorities can apply to be a Food Champion in one or both of the award sections - improving local food safety and food standard, and bettering community diet and nutrition.

Ian Reynolds, deputy chair of the FSA, said: “Increasingly, local authorities are raising their standards of performance and going beyond their routine responsibilities to find new and inspiring ways to help people eat safer and healthier food.

“The Food Champion award will be a prestigious achievement. Winning local authorities will have demonstrated good practice and shown commitment to making the local community a better place to live. The awards will encourage sharing of good practice across local authorities and will enhance the reputation of winning authorities with residents and visitors alike. The Food Standards Agency will give feedback as part of the application process, which can provide valuable information for future improvements.”

Local authorities can apply for a Food Champion award from October 15 to December 17.