As part of an ongoing campaign to tackle obesity levels, Wandsworth Council is giving guidance to businesses in the food sector on frying techniques.

Survey research in south London has shown that portions of fish and chips from businesses that give little consideration over how they fry food can contain as much as 10 times the amount of fat as in portions from businesses that adopt proven frying techniques.

Three courses are being run next week to teach cooks and chefs how best to keep the oil in the fryer rather than on food - and maintain the quality of the oil to reduce contamination.

The courses cover:

• Choosing the best oil for your business.
• Oil Management and reducing your oil use.
• Frying Techniques and maintaining the quality of your oil.
• Chip and other food preparation methods.
• Introduction to London Healthy Catering Commitment scheme.

The unique course has been developed by Environmental Health Officers and the National Federation of Fish Fryers, and covers all the skills needed to prepare, cook and fry foods.

With more restaurants and takeaways providing healthy options for customers, the council is urging businesses not to get left behind by learning new approaches to cooking.

The first workshop takes place on Tuesday April 24, from 2pm to 4pm at Lower Hall Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill. The second course is at Jasmin's Function Hall, in Upper Tooting Road, from 10am to 12pm on Wednesday, April 25, and the third takes place at Generate At The Bridge - Falcon Mews - in Oakmead Road, Balham, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm the same afternoon.

Places on the course are limited so those interested in taking part should book as soon as possible.

To do so, call Siobhain O'Kane on 020 8871 6166 or email FoodSafety@wandsworth.gov.uk.