Julia checks for Salt

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 14th Jul 2006

Local MP Julia Goldsworthy hosted a reception at the House of Commons to preview the Food Standard Agency's 10 second TV advert, which will be aired throughout the summer, to encourage consumers to cut down on their salt intake.

The advertisement uses talking food packs to urge shoppers to always check labels on foods they buy to make sure they eat no more than a teaspoon of salt (6 grams) a day. About 75% of the salt we eat comes from processed food.

Representatives from the FSA, including its Chair, Dame Deirdre Hutton, encouraged MPs and Peers to check the labels on the foods they buy to help them make healthier choices.

Commenting, Julia Goldsworthy said:

"We all struggle with reducing our salt intake and the FSA is doing valuable work to make it easier. Eating too much salt can cause high blood pressure, which increases the risk of developing heart disease and stroke, so it's important to get your salt intake levels down. The FSA is urging people to check their food labels for salt. I'll certainly be trying to check mine!"

Deirdre Hutton, Chair of the Food Standards Agency, said:

"I was delighted to see Julia Goldsworthy MP at this event and taking an interest in diet and health issues.

"We want to encourage consumers to check food labels before they buy to make much healthier choices. MPs are busy people and they need as much help as everyone else. So, check the label."