Find out which sliced meat products are saltier than seawater
The majority of sliced meat products we buy are 'dangerously' high in salt
Last updated 25th Jan 2022
New data shows that two-thirds (65%) of all chilled sliced meat products have 'dangerous' salt levels.
The study, from Action on Salt, revealed that 25% of those products, including ham, chicken, salami and corned beef, are actually saltier than Atlantic seawater.
Atlantic seawater contains 1.0g of sodium per 100g, which equates to 2.5g of salt per 100g - a maximum daily intakes for an adult is 6g per day, about a level teaspoon.
One-third (35%) of chilled sliced meats even fail to meet the salt targets, which has brought calls for more regulation on manufacturers to comply.
Action on Salt say the checks should be enforced and reviewed by the Government, with penalties given to manufacturers and retailers who fail to meet the requirements.
What products to look out for
Action on Salt say that only one in three (37%) chilled sliced meat products from manufacturers are complying with salt targets, compared to two in three (69%) of retailer's 'own label' products.
Surveyed poultry products have a difference of 2.24g of salt between the least salty (Aldi's Flame Grilled Chicken Slices at 0.26/100g) and the saltiest (Adlington Cooked Sliced Free Range British Turkey at 2.5g/100g) - which is as salty as seawater.
M&S British Wiltshire Roast Ham has 1.73g of salt per portion (3 slices), which is nearly one third (29%) of an adults daily intake, and over half (58%) of a child's (4-6 years old) recommended limit.
For charcuterie products, Sainsbury's Italian Prosciutto Crudo has 5.51g of salt per 100g, which is more than double the salt level in seawater.
But, reduced salt levels can be achieved even for traditionally salty products, with Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Italian Prosciutto Di Speck containing 30% less salt at 3.89g per 100g.
Sonia Pombo, Campaign Manager for Action on Salt, said:
“Why are these everyday sliced meats, which are frequently consumed by children, so high in salt when it is clearly not required for taste or food safety?
"Whilst some salt may be needed in processed meat, there is scope for extensive reductions, as demonstrated by some of the more responsible companies.
"There’s no excuse. Other manufacturers must now follow their lead and put their customer’s health first.”