The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has published its Health Works: a look inside eating out report, which shows that 80 per cent of the industry is now offering healthy eating options on their menus.

Most are also taking action to reduce salt in line with the Food Standards Agency 2012 targets, with 90 per cent being "committed" to the goals.

Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the BHA, said offering healthier options can be used to increase competitiveness, as the public's awareness of the importance of healthy lifestyles increases.

"Nearly 20 per cent of all food eaten in the United Kingdom is provided by the hospitality industry," she said.

"As competition in the industry intensifies, so too does the competitive spirit for meeting consumers changing needs and tastes. We are all focused on the customers of today and tomorrow - and health is a big part of that.