What Week? Salt Awareness Week!

To most of us it’s a familiar message: too much salt can adversely affect our health. But what is 'Too much'?

To mark Salt Awareness Week 2010, which runs from 1st to 7th February, Devon County Council’s Trading Standards Service is going on the road to highlight the presence of ‘hidden salt’ in our everyday foods.

The ‘road shows’, which are being run in association with Torridge District Council and Teignbridge District Council, will be visiting supermarkets across the County to give guidance on reading labels and choosing lower salt versions of foods.

Latest research from the Food Standards Agency shows the average daily intake of salt to be 8.6 grams, far about the recommended 6 grams. Salt can contribute to high blood pressure, which can increase the risks of developing heart disease or stokes.

Devon’s Trading Standards recently undertook research sampling bread from across the County. They found that although improvements have been made by some producers, much of the bread we eat contains more than the Food Standards Agency recommended level of 0.35g /100g of bread. In fact 38 of the 57 samples taken were above FSA 2010 salt target for bread.

Trading Standards will be working with producers to encourage them to reduce the amount of salt being used.

Councillor Croad, Cabinet member with responsibility for regulatory services said:

In a survey completed by the Food Standards Agency, 81% of consumers said they would like to see nutritional information about their food at the point when they order.

"Devon’s Trading Standards Service is supporting local food producers to provide this information and to provide healthier options where possible."

For more information, or to find out if the Salt Awareness roadshow is coming to a supermarket near you please contact the Trading Standards Service on 01392 381381.

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