Nursery World - Onus to cut salt on food industry

The first-ever Government guidelines for reducing children's salt consumption will be hard for most parents and carers to enforce without a significant cut in the salt content of processed foods, campaigners have warned. The Food Standards Agency last week advised that babies aged seven to 12 months should consume no more than one gram per day, children between one and three two grams a day, and four- to six-year-olds three grams a day, rising to six grams for children aged 11 to 14. But independent watchdog the Food Commis- sion, while welcoming the move, warned that the food and drinks industry had blocked all previous attempts by the Government to set limits on salt content.

The Food Standards Agency last week advised that babies aged seven to 12 months should consume no more than one gram per day, children between one and three two grams a day, and four- to six-year-olds three grams a day, rising to six grams for children aged 11 to 14. But independent watchdog the Food Commis- sion, while welcoming the move, warned that the food and drinks industry had blocked all previous attempts by the Government to set limits on salt content.

The Commission's nutritionist, Annie Seeley, said, 'A reduction in salt consumption is vital for the nation's health. But we must see a genuine commitment from the food industry to reduce levels of salt in processed foods if we are to make any significant impact on diet-related stroke and heart disease in the UK.'

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included