UK salt consumption’ has fallen but remains too high’

Average UK salt consumption levels have declined in recent years but remain high enough to risk damaging health, according to new government data.

Public Health England's latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey has indicated that average salt consumption for adults in 2014 was 8.0 grams per day – down from 8.5 grams in 2011 and 8.8 grams in 2005-06.

It means overall salt intake has fallen by 11 percent since the 2005-06 survey, yet the current figure remains higher than the recommended maximum salt intake for adults, which is no more than six grams per person per day.

This is a potentially serious health issue, as too much salt in the diet can raise blood pressure, thereby increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

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

It is estimated that a reduction in average salt intake from eight grams to six grams per day could prevent more than 8,000 premature deaths each year, while saving the NHS in excess of 570 million pounds annually.