According to new research by Consensus Action on Salt and Health, a number of everyday foods now contain more salt than before – with canned tomato soup, cheddar cheese and chilled ready meals being among the worst offenders.This reverses progress made prior to 2010.
Nearly half of the soups surveyed contained the same amount of salt, or more, per serving than two slices of Domino’s Cheese & Tomato Pizza. The saltiest soup was Baxters Vegetarian Italian Tomato & Basil, with 3.5g salt per 400g serving – more salt than a McDonald’s Big Mac and large fries.
CASH reviewed the salt content of tinned tomato soups at regular intervals between 2007 and 2016, and found that while there was an average 27% reduction between 2007 and 2010, progress has now lapsed. The salt content in 55% of the products examined was the same or higher than in 2010.
Until 2010, the salt reduction programme was run by the Food Standards Agency. Since then, it has been handed to the industry as part of a self-regulation initiative.
Read about Sustain's policy for a more sustainable food system here.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
