DUBLIN, Ohio – Progress in sodium reduction and broader incorporation of food safety programs stood out in 2012 at Tim Hortons, the company noted in its 2012 Sustainability and Responsibility Summary Report issued April 3.

In the area of nutrition, Tim Hortons said it continues to develop healthier options across all product categories. Flatbread breakfast sandwiches were introduced in the United States in 2012 as a lower-fat alternative to breakfast biscuits. The sandwiches are available in multigrain and maple. Tim Hortons also in 2012 began preparing its Panini sandwiches on preservative-free bread and added a multigrain option to the line.

Other better-for-you menu items introduced in 2012 included chicken minis and lasagna casserole.
Sodium reduction is one of Tim Hortons key nutrition initiatives. Since 2007, the company noted in the report, it has reduced sodium 31 percent in its soups, 49 percent in deli meats, 22 percent in muffins, 15 percent in hot beverages and 10 percent in chili.

“We will continue to work to enhance the availability of healthier options across our product categories and to increase communication of the positive attributes and options within our menu,” the company said.
Also in the report, Tim Hortons updated its progress in food safety. The company said 100 percent of its full-serve restaurants open for at least one full year received two food safety audits between September 2011 and August 2012. The company also said 92 percent of its corporate employees who directly influence restaurant operations had up-to-date food safety certification. Tim Hortons is aiming for 100 percent certification in 2013 and also plans to launch an enhanced on-line training system that will allow a broader reach of participants.

More work remains, though, the company said.

“While we have made considerable progress to date, we continue to consider ourselves to be at the early stages of our sustainability journey,” Tim Hortons said. “We are excited about executing our strategic plan and showing additional progress in further embedding sustainability and responsibility across our company.”