Calls for warning labels on highly salty Chinese takeaways and ready meals
Some contain as much salt as five Big Mac burgers
Last updated 13th Mar 2018
The Chinese takeaway is the go-to treat for many British households after a long week at work, but a campaign group is now calling for compulsory salt warnings after it emerged some dishes contain as much salt as five Big Mac burgers.
Action on Salt has tested dishes from six Chinese restaurants and found that 97% contained 2g of salt or more, and 58% contained more than 3g of salt - half an adults recommended daily allowance.
And if you enjoy a side of prawn toast or seaweed, they're warning that adding a side dish could mean that you exceed the 6g recommended daily limit in one sitting.
Action on Salt also looked at the salt content of Chinese ready meals from popular supermarkets and found that some contain more than 4g of salt per pack.
Of the 141 ready meals analysed, 43% were deemed to be high in salt and would be worthy of a red warning label on front of pack.
Graham MacGregor, professor of cardiovascular medicine at Queen Mary University of London and Chairman of Action on Salt, added: "Salt is the forgotten killer as it puts up our blood pressure, leading to tens of thousands of unnecessary strokes, heart failure and heart attacks every year.
"Reducing salt is the most cost effective measure to reduce the number of people dying or suffering from strokes or heart disease. We are now calling on Public Health England to take immediate action.''
Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, said: "Our salt consumption has decreased over the last decade - a loaf of bread has 40% less than it used to. However, some products are still too high in salt and we know this can be reduced further.
"We've been very clear with the food industry on the importance of meeting the 2017 salt targets. We'll report on their progress this year and on any necessary advice to Government on the next steps."