Average salt consumption cut by 11 per cent

The average daily salt consumption for adults in England has dropped 11 per cent over the last decade, according to new figures from Public Health England (PHE).

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) shows that the average daily consumption in 2014 was 8 grams a day, compared to 8.5 grams in 2011, and 8.8 grams in 2005/6.

The figures were gathered from a PHE commissioned assessment from May to September 2014 which involved the 24 hours urine collection of 689 adults aged 19 to 64 years, designed to be representative of adults in England.

The results come as part of a continued series of sodium surveys that aim to monitor the progress towards the recommended maximum salt intake for adults of no more than 6 grams per person per day.

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at PHE, said: “Our analysis makes clear that there is a steady downward trend in salt consumption. While people are having less salt than 10 years ago, we are still eating a third more than we should.

“The majority of the salt we eat is in everyday foods so it’s important to check labels and choose lower salt options. Many manufacturers and retailers have significantly reduced the salt levels in everyday foods. However, more needs to be done, especially by restaurants, cafes and takeaways.”