British food pledge for Olympics

More than 14 million meals are due to be served during the Games

Food and drink at London's Olympics will be British "wherever possible", 2012 organisers have said.

London 2012 said while 20% of food would be supplied by sponsors McDonald's, Coca-Cola and Cadbury a wide choice of food would be available.

Chief executive Paul Deighton said the Games would create a "great legacy for the catering industry in this country".

Concerns have been raised about the promotion of unhealthy food to children at 2012 events.

Last year the National Obesity Forum said it was "very concerned" that confectionary giant Cadbury as an Olympic sponsor would increase "the promotion of unhealthy food to children".

'Affordable and sustainable'

More than 14 million meals are expected to be served during the Olympics and Paralympics across 40 locations, a London 2012 spokesman said.

Events, catering and hospitality firms must sign up to a food charter backing local, seasonal, healthier and sustainable food, he added.

All soft drinks and mineral water will be supplied by sponsor Coca-Cola.

Mr Deighton said: "We want to ensure everyone at the Games has a fantastic experience and key to that is the food and drink that's available.

"We want it to be affordable, sustainable and celebrating the fantastic diversity and quality of what Britain has to offer."

I am keen that there is now more work undertaken to ensure that higher standards... are mandatory rather than aspirational Rosie Boycott, London Food Board

The 15,000 Olympic athletes will be fed by the London 2012 organising committee (Locog).

Olympic rowing champion James Cracknell, who is London 2012's sustainability ambassador, said: "The approach being taken for the food provision at London 2012 is the same for both athletes and spectators - responsibly sourced and ensuring a wide choice."

The plan was welcomed by Rosie Boycott, chair of the mayor's London Food Board - which aims to improve access to healthy local food.

She said: "I am pleased to see a range of solid commitments by Locog and the Olympic sponsors in this final report to achieving high standards of healthy, ethical and sustainable food."

But she added: "I am keen that there is now more work undertaken to ensure that higher standards, particularly in relation to animal welfare and environmental standards for farming, are mandatory rather than aspirational as currently stated in the report."