New salt reduction targets published

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published new voluntary salt reduction targets for food manufactures and retailers today.

Food types included in the targets are bread, meat products and cereal products, as well as convenience items such as pizza and ready meals.

FSA director of consumer choice and dietary heath, Gill Fine, said: "Although challenging, we believe the salt levels set out represent a realistic rate of reduction. We will review the targets in 2008, to ensure that progress continues to be made towards achieving the 6g maximum recommended salt intake."

The FSA claims 26 million people in the UK eat too much salt, which is harmful to their health.

Processed food contributes around 75% of the salt in our diet.

http://www.food.gov.uk/news/pressreleases/2006/mar/targets

By Chris Druce

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