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Salt Overload: Adults in England Eat Crisps' Worth Weekly
6 Jan
Summary
- English adults consume salt equivalent to 155 bags of crisps weekly.
- Hidden salt in processed foods significantly raises heart disease risks.
- Campaigners demand mandatory salt reduction targets for manufacturers.
Campaigners are calling for urgent action to curb excessive salt consumption in England, with adults consuming the equivalent of 155 bags of crisps weekly. This high intake, largely from hidden sources in processed foods, significantly elevates the risk of hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes, contributing to an estimated 5,000 deaths annually.
The British Heart Foundation highlighted that most salt is concealed in everyday items such as bread, cereals, and ready meals, making it difficult for consumers to manage their intake. This lack of awareness exacerbates the problem, as high blood pressure, a direct consequence of excessive salt, affects millions and often goes undetected.
Health advocates are pushing for stringent government intervention, including legally binding salt reduction targets for the food industry, financial penalties for non-compliance, and clear front-of-pack labeling. While the Department of Health states it is cracking down on unhealthy food, campaigners emphasize that focusing on manufacturers is key to public health.
