David Stanton
Question:117 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the amount of salt in processed foods; the plans he has in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4286/01]
Written Answers. - Processed Foods.
Salt intake, particularly in processed foods, is of concern to me and my Department especially as salt intake is associated with raised blood pressure. Today's lifestyle for many families means a higher dependency on convenience foods, which can be high in salt. Given our high rate of heart disease in Ireland, salt intake is an issue I am addressing in the implementation of the cardiovascular health strategy building healthier hearts.
The healthy eating guidelines, developed by the health promotion unit of my Department, highlight that the diet of the Irish population should be based on fresh foods as far as possible. They also highlight the importance of tasting food before adding seasonings, recommend herbs and spices including pepper for flavour enhancement. The guidelines state that reliance on salt to flavour food is not recommended.
The Department of Health and Children also supports the Irish Heart Foundation consensus statement on nutrition and heart health which advises that people eat less salt because current evidence suggests that salt intake is related to the increase in blood pressure which occurs as people get older. My plans with regard to focusing awareness on this problem include highlighting it in the Ireland Needs a Change of Heart campaign, especially in the booklet issued to all households in the country. This year's national healthy eating campaign focuses on food on the go and convenience foods and while the main focus will be on reducing fat intake from these foods, reducing salt intake will also be included.
The Department of Health and Children also supports the Irish Heart Foundation's happy heart programmes for the workplace and restaurants which emphasise attention to salt intake. In the cardiovascular health strategy it is recommended that the Food Safety Authority of Ireland should examine dietary salt intake and advise on a national policy on salt. This recommendation is being progressed through the work of the heart health task force.