Early day motion tabled by primary sponsor David Tredinnick (Conservative), on Tuesday, 25 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It is signed by 53 members in total.

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SALT CONTENT IN FOOD

That this House notes that much of the food aimed at children has increased in salt content in the last 25 years; further notes that the salt content in crisps has almost doubled since 1978, from an average of 540mg per 100g to 1050mg per 100g in 2003; expresses concern that most people, including children, consume about twice the maximum recommended daily intake of salt; observes that babies do not have the capacity to process large quantities of salt which may result in kidney, liver and brain damage; acknowledges that eating high levels of salt is linked to high blood pressure, which is the main cause of strokes, hypertension and a major factor in heart attacks; recognises that it is very difficult to cut back on salt because it is hidden in everyday products such as bread, canned soup and baked beans; believes that lowering the average population salt intake would confer significant public health benefits by contributing to a reduction in the burden of cardiovascular disease; and urges the Government to take steps to bring about a reduction in salt content in food.

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Secondary information

Type

Early day motion

Reference

773 

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Children Diets Health Food Salt

Link

View this Early day motion on www.parliament.uk