Processed Food Databank: Sampling Round One : December 2004 - February 2005

The processed food databank was designed as a reference tool to provide indicative information on levels of sodium (as a salt indicator) in a range of processed foods. It has been used by the Agency to inform discussions with industry and other bodies aimed at encouraging a reduction in the salt content of processed foods.

In addition, the databank includes information on levels of fat, sugar and a range of other nutrients in these processed food products. Data was collected from the labels of around 1000 products bought in the UK between December 2004 and February 2005. The results are available in the databank that accompanies this report.

One of the Agency's key policy objectives is the reduction of average salt intakes in line with the recommendations of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition, published in its report 'Salt and Health' (May 2003). The Agency's strategic plan also contains targets to reduce sugar and saturated fat intakes in line with dietary recommendations. The Agency is working closely with the food industry to effect the reformulation of processed food products.

The primary objective of the databank was to provide indicative information on the levels of sodium (salt) in a range of processed foods. However, as the Agency's Strategic Plan covers wider areas of work in nutrition, the databank also collected other information, including the declared levels of fat, sugar and a range of other nutrients in these processed foods. The databank includes types of processed foods that are major contributors to intakes of salt, fat and/or sugar in the diets of both adults and children.

The data obtained has been used to inform discussions with the food industry, and other bodies, aimed at encouraging reductions in the salt content of processed foods and to inform related areas of work in nutrition. This in turn will help consumers more easily choose a healthy diet and meet nutrient intake guidelines.

The data can also be used to inform policy development. For example, the databank was one of the sources of information used in testing the effect of nutritional criteria underpinning the Agency's signpost labelling proposals.

The databank includes information taken from the labels of samples purchased in the UK. The sampling plan is informed by market share data and covers processed food product categories that are major contributors to salt, fat and/or sugar intakes.

Information on the nutrient content, ingredients and other information to facilitate the identification of samples is recorded in the databank from product labels. No laboratory analyses have been carried out.

Data recorded in the databank reflects the information available on the product label on the date sampled. Actual individual product composition, labelling and availability may change after the sampling date.

You should contact the appropriate brand owners for the most up-to-date information on the nutrient composition and availability of products.