Campaign to reduce salt intake

Safefood has launched a new campaign aimed at encouraging consumers to reduce their salt intake.

The campaign, called "Shake the Salt Habit" is designed to raise awareness among consumers that our diets are still too high in salt and that the majority of dietary salt is from processed foods such as processed meats, sauces and breads.

Safefood says dietary salt intake levels among adults on the island of Ireland are up to 66% more than the recommended daily amount of 6g per day as advocated by heath professionals.

Recent research conducted by Safefood revealed that while 51% of consumers are aware that most of their salt intake is from processed foods, only 30% believe eating less of these foods is the most effective way to reduce salt intake.

The research showed that 48% of consumers reported adding salt to their main evening meal.

Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan of Safefood said high dietary salt intake can have serious health conseauences such as stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure.

"We are now living in a world where we have become used to high dietary salt and it is worrying that children are growing up accustomed to the taste of salty foods."

Dr Foley-Nolan said that while the food industry had done much to reduce salt levels in processed foods, consumer demand for lower salt options hasn't really changed.

"We need to do our part by becoming more salt-aware, choosing lower salt options and readjusting our tastebuds to accept lower amounts of salt. These steps can all help to ensure our salt intake is at a healthier level."

See also  www.safefood.eu

[Posted: Tue 06/10/2009]