scholarly journals Salt content of sauces in the UK and China: cross-sectional surveys

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e025623
Author(s):  
Monique Tan ◽  
Feng J He ◽  
Jingmin Ding ◽  
Yuan Li ◽  
Puhong Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Salt Intake ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
Nutrition Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Salt Reduction ◽  
The Past ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Relative Change

Objectives(1) To assess the changes in the salt content of sauces in the UK in the past 10 years; (2) to compare the salt content of sauces in China with equivalent products sold in the UK and (3) to calculate the proportion of sauce products meeting the salt targets set by the UK Department of Health (DoH).DesignCross-sectional surveys from the nutrition information panels of sauces.SettingMajor retailers in London, Beijing and Shijiazhuang operating at data collection times.Main outcome measureSalt content of sauces.ResultsRelative change in the median salt content of UK products ranged from −70.6% to +3.0% in sauces for which salt targets were set, whereas it ranged from −27.1% to +111.5% in sauces without targets. Median salt contents were on average 4.4-fold greater in Chinese sauces compared with their UK equivalents surveyed during the same period (2015–2017). Only 13.4% of the Chinese products met the UK 2017 salt targets, compared with 70.0% of UK products.ConclusionIn the UK, the target-based approach contributed to the reduction in the salt content of sauces over the course of the past 10 years. Currently, large variations in salt content exist within the same categories of sauces and 70% of the products have met DoH’s 2017 targets, demonstrating that further reductions are possible and lower salt targets should be set. In China, salt content of sauces is extremely high with similarly large variations within same categories of sauces, demonstrating the feasibility of reducing their salt content. As processed foods (including sauces) are expected to become an important contributor to salt intake in China, national salt reduction efforts such as setting salt targets would be a valuable, proactive strategy.

scholarly journals Salt and sugars content of breakfast cereals in the UK from 1992 to 2015

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 1500-1512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Pombo-Rodrigues ◽  
Kawther M Hashem ◽  
Feng J He ◽  
Graham A MacGregor
Keyword(s):  
Salt Intake ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
Nutrition Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Product Packaging ◽  
Salt Reduction ◽  
Free Sugars ◽  
Breakfast Cereals ◽  
Sugar Reduction ◽  
The Uk

AbstractObjectiveTo study the salt and sugars content of breakfast cereals sold in the UK between 1992 and 2015.DesignCross-sectional surveys on salt and sugars content collected from the nutrition information panel of breakfast cereals in 1992, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2015.SettingAll major UK retailers operating at that moment in time (approximately ten).SubjectsThe salt and sugars content was collected from product packaging and the nutrition information panels.ResultsCereals consistently surveyed across all five years (n22) showed a significant reduction in salt content of 47 % (P<0·001). Sugars content of breakfast cereals (n 15), however, did not show a significant change; 25·65 g/100 g in 1992 and 22·45 g/100 g in 2015 (P=0·170). There was a large variation in salt and sugars content between different categories and within the same type of category.ConclusionsThe study shows the progressive reduction in salt content of breakfast cereals in the UK since 2004 as a result of the successful salt reduction programme, particularly the setting of incremental salt targets. Further reductions in salt content need to be made as cereals remain a major contributor to salt intake. Sugars content, however, has been consistently high due to the lack of a sugar reduction strategy. The research demonstrates that the sugars content of breakfast cereals in the UK is of concern, particularly in children’s breakfast cereals, with a typical serving (30 g) containing a third of a 4–6-year-old’s maximum daily recommendation (19 g/d) for free sugars intake in the UK. More can and should be done to reformulate, with an urgent need to set incremental sugar reduction targets.

scholarly journals Salt content of instant noodles in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e024702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Han Tan ◽  
Zhen Yee Chow ◽  
Siew Mooi Ching ◽  
Navin Kumar Devaraj ◽  
Feng J He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salt Intake ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
High Salt ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Product Packaging ◽  
Salt Reduction ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Instant Noodles

ObjectiveTo determine the salt content in instant noodles sold in Malaysia.Study designA cross-sectional survey was done involving 707 different flavours and packaging of instant noodles sold in six hypermarkets and retailer chains in Malaysia and the corresponding brand’s official websites in 2017.MethodsThe salt content (gram per serving and per 100 g) was collected from the product packaging and corresponding brand’s official website.ResultsOf the 707 different packaging and flavours of instant noodles, only 62.1% (n=439) provided the salt content in their food label.The mean (±SD) salt per 100 g of instant noodles was 4.3±1.5 g and is nearly four times higher than the salt content of food classified in Malaysia as a high salt content (>1.2 g salt per 100 g). The salt content for instant noodle per packaging ranged from 0.7 to 8.5 g. 61.7% of the instant noodles exceeded the Pacific Salt Reduction Target, 11.8% exceeded the WHO recommended daily salt intake of <5.0 per day and 5.50% exceeded Malaysia Salt Action Target. 98% of instant noodles will be considered as high salt food according to the Malaysia Guidelines.The probability of the instant noodles without mixed flavour (n=324) exceeding the Pacific Salt Reduction Target was tested on univariate and multivariate analysis. Instant noodles with soup, Tom Yam flavour, pork flavour and other flavours were found to be predictors of instant noodles with the tendency to exceed Pacific Salt Reduction Target when compared with instant noodles without mixed flavours (p<0.05).ConclusionOnly 62% of instant noodles displayed the salt content on their food label. Salt content in instant noodles is very high, with 90% exceeding the daily salt intake recommended by WHO. Prompt action from regulatory and health authorities is needed to reduce the salt content in instant noodles.

scholarly journals Current Knowledge and Behavior towards Salt Reduction among Hong Kong Citizens: A Cross–Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9572
Author(s):  
Jasmine Cheung ◽  
Deborah Neyle ◽  
Peggy Pik Kei Chow
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Salt Intake ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
World Health ◽  
Dietary Salt ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Salt Reduction ◽  
Dietary Salt Intake

Excessive dietary salt intake is prevalent in the Hong Kong community. Over the last decade, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been actively promoting community participation to reduce salt intake. The aim of this study was to investigate the current knowledge levels and behaviors relating to dietary salt intake among Hong Kong adults. This cross-sectional survey involved 426 adults in Hong Kong. The findings of this study identified areas of knowledge deficit in the recommended upper limit of daily salt intake for an adult set by World Health Organization (n = 295, 69.2%) indicated a lack of awareness that the overconsumption of salt could cause coronary heart disease (n = 233, 54.7%). Disengagement with salt reduction behavior, such as rarely/never checking the sodium or salt content listed on the food label (n = 252, 59.2%) and rarely/never purchasing food labelled with low salt or no salt content (n = 292, 68.9%), was reported. Excessive salt intake in dietary habits remains an under-recognized non-communicable disease threat by Hong Kong citizens, indicating ineffective responsive risk communication. There is a need to refine existing salt reduction initiatives to aid in making appropriate decisions regarding dietary salt intake among Hong Kong citizens.

scholarly journals Salt as a public health challenge in continental European convenience and ready meals

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 2459-2466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonja Kanzler ◽  
Christina Hartmann ◽  
Anita Gruber ◽  
Guido Lammer ◽  
Karl-Heinz Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Salt Intake ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Salt Reduction ◽  
High Salt Intake ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Comprehensive Survey ◽  
The Uk

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the salt content of continental European convenience and ready meals.DesignA multistage study in which, after laboratory analysis of the products’ salt contents (n32), new salt-reduced meals were developed through food reformulation. Additionally, a comprehensive survey of convenience meals from the Austrian market (n572) was conducted to evaluate the salt contents of a wider product range.SettingSix continental European countries participated.SubjectsNo subjects enrolled.ResultsThe salt contents of continental European convenience and ready meals mostly exceeded 1·8 g/100 g, which is 30 % of the targeted daily intake level; some contained even more than the recommended daily intake of 6 g. The highest salt contents were found in pizzas and pasta dishes, the lowest ones in sweet meals. Large variations in salt levels were found not only between and within meal type categories, but also between similar meals from different producers. In addition, our approach to develop new salt-reduced meals showed that a stepwise reduction of the ready meals’ salt contents is possible without compromising the sensory quality.ConclusionsTo address the problem of hypertension and increased risk for CVD through high salt intake, a reduction of the salt levels in continental European convenience and ready meals is urgently needed, since they are providing a major part of the daily salt intake. Successful national-wide salt reduction strategies in the UK or Finland have already demonstrated the public health impact of this setting.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional survey of salt content in cheese: a major contributor to salt intake in the UK

BMJ Open ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (8) ◽  
pp. e005051-e005051 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. M. Hashem ◽  
F. J. He ◽  
K. H. Jenner ◽  
G. A. MacGregor
Keyword(s):  
Salt Intake ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
Major Contributor ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Uk

scholarly journals Developing a policy to reduce the salt content of food consumed outside the home in Malaysia: protocol of a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e044628
Author(s):  
Mhairi Karen Brown ◽  
Suzana Shahar ◽  
Yee Xing You ◽  
Viola Michael ◽  
Hazreen Abdul Majid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Research ◽  
Research Ethics ◽  
Salt Intake ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
Ethics Committee ◽  
Salt Reduction ◽  
Reduction Strategy ◽  
Research Ethics Committee ◽  
School Canteen ◽  
Medical Research Ethics

IntroductionCurrent salt intake in Malaysia is high. The existing national salt reduction policy has faced slow progress and does not yet include measures to address the out of home sector. Dishes consumed in the out of home sector are a known leading contributor to daily salt intake. This study aims to develop a salt reduction strategy, tailored to the out of home sector in Malaysia.Methods and analysisThis study is a qualitative analysis of stakeholder views towards salt reduction. Participants will be recruited from five zones of Malaysia (Western, Northern, Eastern and Southern regions and East Malaysia), including policy-makers, non-governmental organisations, food industries, school canteen operators, street food vendors and consumers, to participate in focus group discussions or in-depth interviews. Interviews will be transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Barriers will be identified and used to develop a tailored salt reduction strategy.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Research Ethics Committee (UKM PPI/1118/JEP-2020–524), the Malaysian National Medical Research Ethics Committee (NMRR-20-1387-55481 (IIR)) and Queen Mary University of London Research Ethics Committee (QMERC2020/37) . Results will be presented orally and in report form and made available to the relevant ministries for example, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Trade to encourage adoption of strategy as policy. The findings of this study will be disseminated through conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications and webinars.

scholarly journals Projected effects on salt purchases following implementation of a national salt reduction policy in South Africa

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Rhoda N. Ndanuko ◽  
Maria Shahid ◽  
Alexandra Jones ◽  
Terry Harris ◽  
Joel Maboreke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Food Product ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Food Category ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Salt Reduction ◽  
Sectional Analysis

Abstract Objective: To assess the contribution of different food groups to total salt purchases and to evaluate the estimated reduction in salt purchases if mandatory maximum salt limits in South African legislation were being complied with. Design: This study conducted a cross-sectional analysis of purchasing data from Discovery Vitality members. Data were linked to the South African FoodSwitch database to determine the salt content of each food product purchased. Food category and total annual salt purchases were determined by summing salt content (kg) per each unit purchased across a whole year. Reductions in annual salt purchases were estimated by applying legislated maximum limits to product salt content. Setting: South Africa Participants: The study utilised purchasing data from 344,161 households, members of Discovery Vitality, collected for a whole year between January and December 2018. Results: Vitality members purchased R12.8 billion worth of food products in 2018, representing 9,562 products from which 264,583 kg of salt were purchased. The main contributors to salt purchases were bread and bakery products (23.3%); meat and meat products (19%); dairy (12.2%); sauces, dressings, spreads and dips (11.8%); and convenience foods (8.7%). The projected total quantity of salt that would be purchased after implementation of the salt legislation was 250,346 kg, a reduction of 5.4% from 2018 levels. Conclusions: A projected reduction in salt purchases of 5.4% from 2018 levels suggests that meeting the mandatory maximum salt limits in South Africa will make a meaningful contribution to reducing salt purchases.

scholarly journals Evaluation of salt content in school meals

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cláudia Alexandra Colaço Lourenço Viegas ◽  
Jorge Torgal ◽  
Pedro Graça ◽  
Maria do Rosário Oliveira Martins
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Salt Intake ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
Food Samples ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
School Meals ◽  
School Students ◽  
Salt Reduction ◽  
Reduction Strategies

OBJECTIVE: High blood pressure is a major rick factor for cardiovascular disease, and it is closely associated with salt intake. Schools are considered ideal environments to promote health and proper eating habits. Therefore the objective of this study was to evaluate the amount of salt in meals served in school canteens and consumers' perceptions about salt. METHODS: Meals, including all the components (bread, soup, and main dish) were retrieved from school canteens. Salt was quantified by a portable salt meter. For food perception we constructed a questionnaire that was administered to high school students. RESULTS: A total of 798 food samples were analysed. Bread had the highest salt content with a mean of 1.35 g/100 g (SD=0.12). Salt in soups ranged from 0.72 g/100 g to 0.80 g/100 g (p=0.05) and, in main courses, from 0.71 g/100 to 0.97 g/100g (p=0.05). The salt content of school meals is high with a mean value of 2.83 to 3.82 g of salt per meal. Moreover, a high percentage of students consider meals neither salty nor bland, which shows they are used to the intensity/amount of salt consumed. CONCLUSION: The salt content of school meals is high, ranging from 2 to 5 times more than the Recommended Dietary Allowances for children, clearly exceeding the needs for this population, which may pose a health risk. Healthy choices are only possible in environments where such choices are possible. Therefore, salt reduction strategies aimed at the food industry and catering services should be implemented, with children and young people targeted as a major priority.

scholarly journals Reducing the population's sodium intake: the UK Food Standards Agency's salt reduction programme

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 254-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura A Wyness ◽  
Judith L Butriss ◽  
Sara A Stanner
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Salt Intake ◽  
Sodium Intake ◽  
Salt Reduction ◽  
Campaign Evaluation ◽  
Food Standards ◽  
Reporting Framework ◽  
Population Average ◽  
Scientific Papers ◽  
The Uk

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the UK Food Standards Agency's (FSA) salt reduction programme undertaken between 2003 and 2010 and to discuss its effectiveness.DesignRelevant scientific papers, campaign materials and evaluations and consultation responses to the FSA's salt reduction programme were used.SettingAdult salt intakes, monitored using urinary Na data collected from UK-wide surveys, indicate a statistically significant reduction in the population's average salt intake from 9·5 g/d in 2000–2001 to 8·6 g/d in 2008, which is likely to have health benefits.SubjectsReducing salt intake will have an impact on blood pressure; an estimated 6 % of deaths from CHD in the UK can be avoided if the number of people with high blood pressure is reduced by 50 %.ResultsSalt levels in food, monitored using commercial label data and information collected through an industry self-reporting framework, indicated that substantial reductions of up to 70 % in some foods had been achieved. The FSA's consumer campaign evaluation showed increased awareness of the benefits of reducing salt intake on health, with 43 % of adults in 2009 claiming to have made a special effort to reduce salt in their diet compared with 34 % of adults in 2004, before the campaign commenced.ConclusionsThe UK's salt reduction programme successfully reduced the average salt intake of the population and increased consumers’ awareness. Significant challenges remain in achieving the population average salt intake of 6 g/d recommended by the UK's Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition. However, the UK has demonstrated the success of its programme and this approach is now being implemented elsewhere in the world.

scholarly journals Assessment of Sodium Knowledge and Urinary Sodium Excretion among Regions of the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2747
Author(s):  
Amjad H. Jarrar ◽  
Lily Stojanovska ◽  
Vasso Apostolopoulos ◽  
Leila Cheikh Ismail ◽  
Jack Feehan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Sodium Excretion ◽  
Salt Intake ◽  
Urinary Sodium Excretion ◽  
World Health ◽  
High Potassium ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Salt Reduction ◽  
High Salt Intake ◽  
The Impact

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, are increasing worldwide and cause 65% to 78% of deaths in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). A random sample of 477 healthy adults were recruited in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the period March–June 2015. Demographic, lifestyle, medical, anthropometric and sodium excretion data were collected. A questionnaire was used to measure knowledge, attitude and practice regarding salt. Mean sodium and potassium excretion were 2713.4 ± 713 mg/day and 1803 ± 618 mg/day, respectively, significantly higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for sodium (2300 mg/day) and lower for potassium (3150 mg/day). Two-thirds (67.4%) exceeded sodium guidelines, with males 2.6 times more likely to consume excessively. The majority of the participants add salt during cooking (82.5%) and whilst eating (66%), and 75% identified processed food as high source of salt. Most (69.1%) were aware that excessive salt could cause disease. Most of the UAE population consumes excess sodium and insufficient potassium, likely increasing the risk of NCDs. Despite most participants being aware that high salt intake is associated with adverse health outcomes, this did not translate into salt reduction action. Low-sodium, high-potassium dietary interventions such as the Mediterranean diet are vital in reducing the impact of NCDs in the UAE.

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