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Takeaway Salt Shock: Double Daily Limit Found!
22 Jan
Summary
- Nearly 50% of takeaway meals exceed advertised salt levels.
- Some dishes contain nearly double the NHS daily salt recommendation.
- Pasta dishes average over 7g of salt per serving.
Recent research indicates that almost half of takeaway meals contain more salt than officially declared on their menus. A University of Reading study examined 39 meals from 23 outlets, finding that approximately 47% exceeded their stated salt levels. Dishes like curries, pasta, and pizzas frequently failed to match menu claims.
Specific findings highlighted that meat pizzas had the highest salt concentration per 100g. However, pasta dishes contained the most salt per serving, averaging 7.2g, with one dish containing as much as 11.2g – surpassing the NHS's recommended daily intake of 6mg for adults. Curry dishes exhibited wide salt variation, ranging from 2.3g to 9.4g per dish.
Lead author Professor Gunter Kuhnle noted the difficulty for restaurants in providing accurate salt values due to variations in preparation, ingredients, and portion sizes, suggesting menu labels are often "guess work." While the study had limitations, including a small sample size, it underscores a potential public health issue, as excess sodium intake is a primary cause of high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. Experts suggest that reducing salt intake could prevent numerous heart disease cases by 2030.
