Salt and Health

This report, prepared in response to a request from the Food Standards Agency and the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, reviews the evidence on salt consumption and its health implications.

High blood pressure is the major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature death in the UK.

The latest available data shows that average salt intake for adults is two and a half times the recommended level and estimates indicate that, on a body weight basis, the average salt intake of children is higher than that of adults.

Reducing the average salt intake of the population is likely to decrease the burden of high blood pressure and improve public health.

However, achieving the desired targets for salt reduction will not be easy, and will entail a sustained gradual reduction in the salt content of food over a number of years, involving the engagement of the food industry (manufacturers, retailers and caterers) and consumers.