Adults Consuming Almost 50% More Recommended Daily Salt Intake

Adults in Northern Ireland are consuming almost 50% more than the recommended daily salt intake, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

The average salt intake was found to be 8.6g per day - 43% higher than the recommended maximum limit of 6g per day, with men eating more than women, according to

The biggest contributors were:

• White bread

• Meat products, such as bacon and ham

• Cooking sauces, soups and condiments

Joanne Casey, Dietician at the FSA in NI, said: "The findings are alarming and show that people in NI eat too much salt and need to cut down. A high salt intake can contribute to raised blood pressure, which itself is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. I would encourage everyone to be more aware of the salt in their diet and to try to cut down."

(DT)