Salt Content In Food

EDM number 773 in 2002-03, proposed by David Tredinnick on 25/02/2003.

That this House notes that much of the food aimed at children has increased in salt content in the last 25 years; further notes that the salt content in crisps has almost doubled since 1978, from an average of 540mg per 100g to 1050mg per 100g in 2003; expresses concern that most people, including children, consume about twice the maximum recommended daily intake of salt; observes that babies do not have the capacity to process large quantities of salt which may result in kidney, liver and brain damage; acknowledges that eating high levels of salt is linked to high blood pressure, which is the main cause of strokes, hypertension and a major factor in heart attacks; recognises that it is very difficult to cut back on salt because it is hidden in everyday products such as bread, canned soup and baked beans; believes that lowering the average population salt intake would confer significant public health benefits by contributing to a reduction in the burden of cardiovascular disease; and urges the Government to take steps to bring about a reduction in salt content in food.

This motion has been signed by a total of 53 MPs.