Salt
Most people eat too much salt. This can raise blood pressure, which increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. We can all take steps to eat less salt by shopping wisely and being sparing with salt at home.
The Agency is currently running a major public health campaign to reduce salt consumption in the UK.
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Salt reduction strategy
Since 2003 the FSA has had in place a programme of work to help UK consumers reduce their salt intakes. High salt intakes contribute to high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The Agency's initiative forms an important part of our work to make healthy eating an easier option and reduce diet-related diseases.
Salt timeline of key events
A summary of important events in the Agency's salt reduction work since 2003.
Salt reduction targets
In May 2009 the Agency published revised salt reduction targets for 2012, for 80 categories of foods. These are more challenging than the previous targets for 2010.
Industry activity
About 75% of the salt we eat is already in the foods we buy, the majority in processed foods. The FSA is working with the food industry to encourage reductions in the levels of salt in these foods.
Salt campaign
In order to raise awareness of salt as a public health issue, and inform consumers how to lower their intakes, the FSA has been running a public awareness campaign since 2004 with supporting consumer-focused information on our websites.
Support for FSA salt campaign
As part of its salt campaign, the Food Standards Agency has been engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including key industry organisations, charities and other non-governmental organisations.
Dietary sodium levels surveys
Dietary sodium levels among adults in the general population are calculated using the analysis of 24-hour urine samples.
British Meat Processors Association guidance
The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA), in collaboration with the FSA, has published a guidance document for small and medium sized businesses on salt reduction. This publication provides information and practical tips for businesses on how to reduce salt in meat products, while considering factors such as food safety, labelling and additives.
Effects of reducing salt in processed food on the population's salt intake - the salt model
The Food Standards Agency has developed a model to look at the effects of reducing the average salt content of different food groups on the population's salt intake.
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