Consultation: proposed targets for levels of salt in key food categories that contribute most to intakes

The key proposals are:

• To establish UK targets for levels of salt in key product categories of manufactured foods as a significant step towards achieving the Government's average population salt intake target of 6g per day by 2010.

We are seeking your views on:

• The product categories for which specific targets have been proposed, and the further sub-category breakdowns within these.
• The proposed targets for levels of salt in these foods.
• How progress towards these targets might be assessed.

Background

The rationale for, and scope of, the Government's salt reduction programme is set out in 'How the proposed targets were met, see the attachment below. Establishment of voluntary targets for salt content in certain key manufactured food categories is intended to provide a means of monitoring and reporting progress towards intake reductions and provide guidance to businesses. The Public Health White Paper and the FSA Strategic Plan make reference to setting these targets.

It should be noted that, in addition to the work to set salt targets for those product categories that contribute most to intakes, the FSA is currently undertaking work to set target specifications for a range of nutrients - including salt - for manufactured foods used in school meals throughout the UK.

Targets for levels of salt in key food categories

This particular consultation is seeking views on the establishment of salt targets to help towards achieving the overall intake target of 6g/day by 2010. Specific targets for levels of salt have been proposed. These will need to be revisited in future in light of progress towards the 2010 intake target and any interim intake targets established. The proposed product targets have been informed by discussions with a small stakeholder group and through meetings with representatives from key industry sectors. They take into account indicative levels in the FSA's salt model, technical constraints, food safety issues and consumer acceptability. The proposed product categories, and targets, are provided in the attachment below.

It is proposed that the targets should be set as maxima, except for some product categories where initial discussions with industry have indicated that average figures would be more helpful. In these cases we are seeking views on complementing the average targets with maxima. It is also proposed that targets should be set on an 'as sold' basis, except for dehydrated products, and per 100g of product.

It is anticipated that to monitor reductions made over time, a framework for self-reporting by the food industry will be put in place. This, plus independent surveys of product composition carried out by the FSA, will enable the FSA to monitor progress and estimate the effects that reductions made will have on intakes. Industry organisations might be expected to report annually on:

• levels of salt in specific product categories after reductions have been made;
• further planned reductions.

Points to consider for this consultation

We would welcome any comments you may have on the categories and targets proposed. We would particularly like to seek your views on:

• Whether the product categories, and sub-categories, for which targets have been proposed are appropriate and if not, why not
• Whether it is appropriate to have maximum targets in most cases but averages for some specific categories and if not, why not
• Where averages are proposed, the appropriate level for maximum targets to be set in addition to the averages.
• Whether the targets proposed for each category are realistic and achievable, and if not, why not. If the targets are not achievable, it would be appreciated if suggestions could be made for what would be.
• The additional costs linked to these targets e.g. any additional costs relating to reporting progress.
• Whether the proposed self-reporting framework (backed up by independent surveys) would be effective and whether it would be possible to provide the information indicated.
• How industry should self-report average levels for the purpose of monitoring.
• Whether establishment of interim population targets would help monitor progress and if not, why

Actions following the consultation

Once the consultation is completed, comments made will be taken into account during revisions to the product categories and targets. It is anticipated that the final targets will be published within two months of the close of the consultation.

Queries

Enquiries relating to the contents of this consultation can be addressed to the above contact details.

This consultation has been prepared in accordance with the HM Government Code of Practice on Consultation, which states that a consultation must follow better regulation best practice, including carrying out an Impact Assessment (Regulatory Impact Assessment in Scotland). The assessment is included in the consultation documents.

We are interested in what you thought of this consultation and would therefore welcome your general feedback on both the consultation package and overall consultation process. If you would like to assist us to improve the quality of future consultations, please feel free to share your thoughts with us by using the consultation feedback questionnaire.

Consultation feedback questionnaire (Word)

Consultation feedback questionnaire (pdf)

In accordance with the FSA principle of openness our Information Centre at Aviation House will hold a copy of the completed consultation. Responses will be open to public access upon request. The FSA will also publish a summary of responses, which may include personal data, such as your full name and contact address details. If you do not want this information to be released, please complete and return the Publication of Personal Data Form. Return of this form does not mean that we will treat your response to the consultation as confidential, just your personal data.

Data protection form (Word)

Data protection form (pdf)

Within three months of a consultation ending we aim to publish a summary of responses received and provide a link to it from this page.

If, after three months, the summary is still not showing, please contact the person who was responsible for the original consultation. Alternatively, you can contact Judith Taylor, the FSA Consultation Co-ordinator, on 020 7276 8633.
Email: judith.taylor@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk