Increase in Salt Content of Convenience Foods

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Popular brands of prepared meals have been increasing the salt content of their products, despite the introduction of voluntary industry sodium targets aimed at curbing people's intake.

The Australian Division of World Action on Salt and Health said that by last year, producers of such meals should have met an interim target of 280 milligrams of salt per 100 grams, with the hope of revising and reducing that target once it was met.

People are still consuming too much sodium, which increases blood pressure and, therefore, the risk of cardiovascular disease

The study was published in the latest Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition and its lead author, Anthea Christoforou, said it was disappointing voluntary efforts by the food industry to meet AWASH targets had failed.

''From 2011, the salt content in an average ready meal represented 37 per cent of the daily recommended upper intake of salt, which is six grams per day, and 54 per cent of the lower recommended intake of four grams,'' Ms Christoforou said.

The study examined prepared meals from the freezer, fridge and the shelf, including lasagne, stir-fry, pasta, salads, soups and pies bought from Coles, Woolworths and three smaller independent retailers.

Read more at www.smh.com.au/national/health/convenience-dinners-are-getting-more-salty-20130204-2duka.html#ixzz2KYFZG49T