TAKEAWAYS around schools are being urged to cut salt and sugar to create healthier recipes for customers.

The Glasgow Food Pledge is signing up eateries in the East End to offer the same food but healthier.

Bosses claim Glasgow has a "great tradition" of eating takeaway food - but the city's health is suffering.

Paul Birkin, of Land and Environmental Services at Glasgow City Council, said: "We are working with cafes and takeaways in Shettleston to show them ways to offer the same foods but with less salt, sugar and fat.

"It's not about taking away people's choice but about making sure cafes have something healthier on offer than what they currently serve."

Council bosses have been using Environmental Health visits to spread the message to food outlets in Shettleson.

They have also been working with pupils at Eastbank Academy, who were surveyed and 60 per cent said they would like to be able to choose healthier food.

Facts sheets and advice are given out to eateries, which are urged to swap sugar for sweeteners and change oils to healthier oils.

Paul added: "It's a bit like Irn Bru changing its recipe ahead of the sugar tax coming in.

"The food options are still there but the fat and calories are reduced where possible by reformulation of the recipe.

"The pupils we spoke to at Eastbank Academy want pasta, salad, fruit and vegetables to choose from but they don't have those options around their school.

"We want to change that."

Businesses that sign up to the Glasgow Food Pledge must make three changes to their practices.

In return, the businesses, such as Wee Anne's on Shettleston Road, will be promoted locally.

The project is being piloted in Shettleston but the aim is for the pledge to be widened out to the east end with a view to an eventual roll out across the city.

Councillor Russell Robertson, chairman of the Glasgow Community Planning Partnership - Strategic Board, said: "The team does not wish to discourage or promote the consumption of takeaway meals.

"In an inclusive, vibrant city like Glasgow, the consumer, of course has a choice.

"There is also a great tradition of takeaway food consumption, which is part of the Glasgow cultural experience.

"We want people to enjoy what Glasgow has to offer and delight in the spread of culinary tastes and styles. We don’t want that to change.

"What we can do, however, is to encourage food businesses to provide healthier versions of popular meals and for these businesses to be recognised."