Salt consumption between 2001 and 2008 fell from 9.5g to 8.6g, while the FSA wants an average of 6.0g. Excess salt intake causes high blood pressure, which is linked to heart attack and stroke.

"We are encouraged that action to reduce the average amount of salt we are eating on a daily basis is clearly having a positive impact," said Tim Smith, FSA chief executive. "We have listened to the experience of industry and are aware of the food safety, consumer acceptance and technical difficulties involved in taking salt out of food."

The FSA confirmed the fall in levels of salt intake by testing urine samples of 600 volunteers. It will now target makers of foods such as bacon and ham, sausages, crisps and cakes to reduce salt.

Reacting to this news, Professor Graham McGregor, from Consensus Action on Salt and Health said, "This is the most important news that we have heard about health and eating for a long time. The UK is leading the world in the drive to save lives by cutting salt and many other countries are now starting to follow the UK lead."

Source-Medindia
RAS/L