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Salt Reduction Could Save 1,000 Lives In Northern Ireland

Tuesday 24 April 2007

A leading medical charity has stated that excessive salt intake is responsible for 1,000 deaths here each year. Almost 1 in 4 stroke deaths and almost 1 in 5 heart deaths are caused by too much salt in the Ulster diet. Research published today in the British Medical Journal shows that fatal heart disease could be cut by one fifth and overall cardiovascular disease could be cut by one quarter.

A leading medical charity has stated that excessive salt intake is responsible for 1,000 deaths here each year. Almost 1 in 4 stroke deaths and almost 1 in 5 heart deaths are caused by too much salt in the Ulster diet. Research published today in the British Medical Journal shows that fatal heart disease could be cut by one fifth and overall cardiovascular disease could be cut by one quarter.

Andrew Dougal, Chief Executive of NI Chest Heart & Stroke (NICHS) said, “Food manufacturers must make a commitment to their customers that they will consistently, over a period of time, slash the salt in products. Three quarters of the salt which we eat is already in the food we purchase. It is sad that the powerful and influential Salt Manufacturers’ Association continues to be in denial about the lethal role of excess salt in our food.

Food manufacturers and supermarkets must ensure that an easily understood system of food labelling empowers shoppers to make healthy eating choices.

13 large food companies and supermarkets last year broke ranks from the system recommended by the Government’s Food Standards Agency, to inform customers. These companies are confusing their customers, research by Consumers’ Association “Which” magazine, has demonstrated.

Now manufacturers and supermarkets must demonstrate their concern for the welfare and health of their customers. Heart disease is the largest single killer in Northern Ireland, with 4,000 deaths each year. Stroke is the third largest killer and is responsible for 1,500 deaths and very extensive physical disability in many of those who survive.”

Notes to Editors:

Andrew Dougal was speaking on the day that the definitive research from the United States was published in the British Medical Journal confirming the role of salt in cardiovascular disease and in premature deaths.

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