Food Facts - Salt

Too much salt can cause high blood pressure which in turn is a risk factor for heart disease, kidney problems and stroke. The average British diet contains between 9 and 11g (3-4 tsps) of salt per day. Experts recommend that this be reduced to 6g per day (2 tsps).

What can caterers do to help?

• Provide salt separately. If you add salt to meals then the customer can't remove it. Give them the choice!
• Cut down on processed foods. Try and prepare more of your dishes from basic ingredients, you then know exactly what is in them.
• Use a variety of different herbs, spices and fruit to flavour and season your meals. Ready made flavourings and sauces can contain large quantities of salt. Any of the following ingredients indicates a source of slat/sodium: Baking Powder, Mono Sodium Glutamate, Bicarbonate of Soda, Kippered, Smoked, Cured and Brine.
• It can take 2-3 months to get used to a lower salt intake but the effort will definitely be worthwhile.

I can just use a salt substitute instead, can't I?

Salt substitutes are not ideal as they prevent your taste buds adjusting to a lower salt diet. Salt substitutes can also be harmful for people with kidney problems and should therefore be avoided.