Two initiatives to help the public cut down on salt kick off this month in the wake of growing concerns over the health risks associated with high salt diets.
A TV, press and poster ad campaign from the Food Standards Agency, starting next week, will alert consumers to health problems caused by excessive salt intake such as high blood pressure.
Separately, the Food and Drink Federation has launched a booklet outlining the function of salt in food, recommended daily intakes and how to calculate salt content from sodium content on food labels. However, the industry remains resolutely opposed to traffic light labelling systems designed to make it easier for customers to identify products high in salt, said an FDF spokeswoman.
“A red warning light on products could act as a skull and crossbones. Some products that are higher in salt than others are not necessarily bad for you as part of a balanced diet,” she argued.