Action urged on salty foods

Monday, 1 August 2005 12:00 AM

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is being urged to take action on cutting salt content in sweet foods after a new report found some desserts contained as much salt as bacon.

Outlined in the government's white paper on public health are plans to cut salt intake to 6g per person per day by 2010, following fears it increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes.

And the FSA has been pressing the food industry to secure reductions in the amount of salt in a wide range of foods, focusing particularly on processed foods.

A survey by the Food Commission published today, however, suggests the watchdog has yet to clamp down on the area of sweet foods and puddings.

For example, it finds half a gram of salt in one portion of Angel Delight, while a Morrison's golden syrup sponge pudding contains more salt than a typical bag of crisps.

"Used to increase the sales of processed foods, salt is a marketing tool that distorts consumer perception by tricking the taste buds. It manipulates consumer choice, largely subconsciously," the commission report says.

"Perhaps the Food Standards Agency should ensure that unhealthy ingredients are no longer used as a marketing tool. If we wait for industry to clean up its act we will be waiting far too long."

Responding to the survey, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) said the industry was "committed" to reducing salt levels in foods and had made "significant" improvements.

Deputy director general Martin Paterson insisted the industry is "committed" to reducing salt levels in foods, adding: "Claims that the industry hides salt in food are inaccurate, misleading and unhelpful to consumers."

He added: "We will continue to work with the Food Standards Agency and the Department of Health to help achieve sodium reductions in our diets and to increase consumer choice."

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