Salt in the system. Salt reduction targets for 2024 released

The voluntary salt reduction targets for 2024 were published to "encourage businesses to further reduce salt levels in the foods that contribute most to salt intakes".

The document outlines targets for levels of salt in food products and drinks, part of PHE’s reduction and reformulation programme. 2024. It offers specific guidance on grams of salt or mg of sodium per 100g in various foodstuffs including baked products.

Although UK adults cut their average salt consumption by 0.9 grams per day between 2005 and 2014, they are still consuming an average of 8 grams a day, as opposed to the Government's maximum recommendation of 6 grams (around one teaspoon full) per day.

In 2003 the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) published a report on Salt and Health, which recommended that average salt intake should be reduced to 6g per day to reduce the risk of hypertension in the population. cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for a quarter of all deaths in the UK and is the largest cause of premature mortality in deprived areas. This resulted in targets being set for voluntary salt reduction for individual categories of food as published by the UK government in 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2014. These targets have now been updated.

Meanwhile the UK government is encouraging the food industry to support a national effort against COVID-19 and obesity, with voluntary calorie reduction guidelines to make it easier for the nation to choose healthier food options. The recommendation is for a 20% reduction in calories for most meal products including pizza and pastry products.