Britons eating salt equal to 155 packets of crisps each week, study finds

A British Heart Foundation analysis reports working-age adults in England consume about 8.4g of salt per day, which the study says equates to roughly 155 packets of ready-salted crisps a week and exceeds the UK guideline of 6g daily.

New analysis from the British Heart Foundation reports that people in England are consuming more salt than national guidance. The charity's data indicates working-age adults average about 8.4g of salt per day. That is above the UK government's recommended maximum of 6g and the World Health Organization's 5g guideline. The finding is discussed because of established links between high salt intake and raised blood pressure. Key findings: - The British Heart Foundation's analysis says weekly salt intake is equivalent to about 155 packets of ready-salted crisps. - The article reports working-age adults in England average about 8.4g of salt per day, which it describes as 40% more than the government's 6g guideline. - The charity notes that high salt intake contributes to raised blood pressure, which is reported as linked to around half of heart attacks and strokes. - A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said the government is taking measures, including restricting junk-food advertising, limiting some price promotions on less healthy foods and introducing mandatory reporting on healthier food sales. Summary: The charity's analysis raises concerns about population salt intake and its implications for blood pressure and heart disease. The British Heart Foundation is calling for urgent government action. The government describes several policy measures it is pursuing but does not set out a specific regulatory timetable. Undetermined at this time.