History
The group was set up in 1996 as a response to the refusal of the Chief Medical Officer to endorse the COMA recommendations to reduce salt intake, following the threat of withdrawal of funds by the food industry to the Conservative Party. The Salt Manufacturer's Association and parts of the food industry have conducted a public relations campaign over the last decade to persuade other food manufacturers, government, nutritionists and other health professionals, as well as the general population, that the evidence about salt is not clear and that no action is justified.
This view is contrary to the current medical and scientific consensus and we aim to counter these claims with the wealth of scientific evidence, which clearly links high salt intake to ill health. An reduction of 3 grams a day from the current average intake of 10-12 grams a day over the next decade could easily be achieved if the food industry collaborates. This reduction will have a large impact on reducing strokes by approximately 22% and heart attacks by 16% saving 19,000 lives in the UK as well as other health benefits for the population. To date we have been successful with many supermarkets and food manufacturers choosing to adopt a policy of gradually reducing the salt content of their products, and a Government-financed a campaign to raise awareness of the effects of salt on health.