Voluntary salt targets considered as means to combat cardiovascular disease

Voluntary salt targets could be introduced as a means of combating cardiovascular disease.

Public Health England (PHE) will consult with the food industry and health charities about how reductions in salt consumption could be achieved.

Current recommendations are that adults eat no more than 6g salt a day, however most adults eat an average of 8g salt with some reaching as many as 20g.

A government green paper has set an ambition of reducing salt consumption across the country to 7g a day, which PHE has said will require both action from the food industry and consumers.

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at PHE said: "The UK food industry has led the world in gradually reducing salt in foods resulting in huge amounts being taken out of the nation's diet, with people barely noticing any difference in the taste to their food.

"Good progress has been made but many of us are still eating too much salt including from everyday foods. The health risks can be devastating as too much salt can increase our risk of high blood pressure, leading to heart disease and stroke."

Cardiovascular disease causes a quarter of all deaths in the UK and is the largest cause of premature mortality in deprived areas.