Menu
22/03/2006
FSA publishes salt reduction targets
The Food Standards Agency has published voluntary salt reduction targets for food manufacturers and retailers, in order to encourage reduction in the amount of salt in many processed foods.
The reduction targets apply to salt levels in the 85 food categories that contribute the most amount of salt in our diets. These include foods such as bread, bacon, ham, breakfast cereals, cheese, pizzas, ready meals and savoury snacks.
The new targets include crisps having no more than 1.5g of salt per 100g; bacon no more than 3.5g of salt per 100g; and pre-packed bread and rolls no more than 1.1g per 100g.
The FSA said that the salt reduction targets will help progression towards the Agency target of bringing down the average UK salt intake to 6g a day.
In the UK, at least 26 million people are eating too much salt and processed foods contribute about 75% of the salt in our diets. Eating too much salt is a significant risk factor in developing high blood pressure, which triple the risk of heart disease and stroke. It contributes to more than 170,000 deaths a year in England.
Gill Fine, Director of Consumer Choice and Dietary Health, said: "Although challenging, we believe the salt levels set out represent a realistic rate of reduction, which will have a real impact on consumers' intakes.
"We will review the targets in 2008, to ensure that progress continues to be made towards achieving the 6g maximum recommended salt intake."
However, some campaign groups have criticised the standards saying that they do not go far enough towards reducing salt intake towards the recommended maximum.
(KMcA/GB)
The reduction targets apply to salt levels in the 85 food categories that contribute the most amount of salt in our diets. These include foods such as bread, bacon, ham, breakfast cereals, cheese, pizzas, ready meals and savoury snacks.
The new targets include crisps having no more than 1.5g of salt per 100g; bacon no more than 3.5g of salt per 100g; and pre-packed bread and rolls no more than 1.1g per 100g.
The FSA said that the salt reduction targets will help progression towards the Agency target of bringing down the average UK salt intake to 6g a day.
In the UK, at least 26 million people are eating too much salt and processed foods contribute about 75% of the salt in our diets. Eating too much salt is a significant risk factor in developing high blood pressure, which triple the risk of heart disease and stroke. It contributes to more than 170,000 deaths a year in England.
Gill Fine, Director of Consumer Choice and Dietary Health, said: "Although challenging, we believe the salt levels set out represent a realistic rate of reduction, which will have a real impact on consumers' intakes.
"We will review the targets in 2008, to ensure that progress continues to be made towards achieving the 6g maximum recommended salt intake."
However, some campaign groups have criticised the standards saying that they do not go far enough towards reducing salt intake towards the recommended maximum.
(KMcA/GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 May 2003
Cut children's salt intake says watchdog
The Food Standards Agency has today issued salt intake targets for children for the first time. The advice is based on a new report by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). Recommendations are made on the maximum levels of salt that should be consumed each day by children, according to their age.
Cut children's salt intake says watchdog
The Food Standards Agency has today issued salt intake targets for children for the first time. The advice is based on a new report by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). Recommendations are made on the maximum levels of salt that should be consumed each day by children, according to their age.
13 September 2004
British consumers urged to reduce salt intake
British consumers have been warned that they are endangering their health by eating too much salt – with men most at risk as they take almost twice the daily recommended limit.
British consumers urged to reduce salt intake
British consumers have been warned that they are endangering their health by eating too much salt – with men most at risk as they take almost twice the daily recommended limit.
11 March 2013
'Hidden' Salt Levels High In UK Restaurants
Surprisingly high levels of salt are hidden in food served up in restaurants across the UK, according to a report by a campaign and watchdog group. Consensus Action of Salt and Health (CASH) has revealed its findings as part of National Salt Awareness Week.
'Hidden' Salt Levels High In UK Restaurants
Surprisingly high levels of salt are hidden in food served up in restaurants across the UK, according to a report by a campaign and watchdog group. Consensus Action of Salt and Health (CASH) has revealed its findings as part of National Salt Awareness Week.
19 October 2007
Fast Food Salt "Outrageously High"
Having a meal at a fast food restaurant could expose a child to huge amounts of salt - in many cases well over their maximum daily limit - according to a new study.
Fast Food Salt "Outrageously High"
Having a meal at a fast food restaurant could expose a child to huge amounts of salt - in many cases well over their maximum daily limit - according to a new study.
29 April 2010
Curry: 'Saltier Than Sea Water'
One of the nation's favourite foods, curry, in some cases can be saltier than Atlantic sea water, a study has revealed. Consensus Action on Salt and Health (Cash) found that the nation was overdosing on salt every day, creating a risk of raised blood pressure, strokes and thousands of early deaths each year.
Curry: 'Saltier Than Sea Water'
One of the nation's favourite foods, curry, in some cases can be saltier than Atlantic sea water, a study has revealed. Consensus Action on Salt and Health (Cash) found that the nation was overdosing on salt every day, creating a risk of raised blood pressure, strokes and thousands of early deaths each year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains mainly dry overnight with a touch of frost or fog patches possible in places. However, cloud is expected to increase towards dawn with the odd light shower. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
