Crown Commercial Service has launched a new agreement for procuring food and drink in hospitals.

A single online portal will make it easier for public sector customers and small businesses by offering a simplified route to markets - opening up access to a range of food and drink suppliers for the public sector.

The agreement is intended to create more choice for customers, while improving standards and providing better access to locally-sourced produce.

All suppliers available through the portal will have to adhere to the updated Government Buying Standards for Food, which the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) are set to update in due course.

Parliamentary secretary for the cabinet office, Minister Alex Burghart, said: "Delivering better value for the taxpayer and driving up food and drink standards are key priorities for government.

"This new system will deliver better quality food to our schoolchildren and care home residents, while creating a level playing field to help small businesses win more contracts from the public sector.

Mark Spencer, food minister at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: "The UK produces world leading quality food and drink, demonstrating excellence in animal welfare and sustainable production standards.

"This is an exciting opportunity for the public sector to lead by example, showcasing our great food and drink and supporting small businesses. We look forward to working with CCS on the agreement."

Image by Mogens Petersen from Pixabay