Children's meals 'astonishingly high' in salt and getting saltier, new study finds

Action on Salt said high-salt warnings on food, such as those already employed in parts of the US, have become necessary

Children's meals are getting saltier (Stock)

Salt levels in children’s meals across the UK have remained “astonishingly high” despite previous warnings, a new study has found.

Rather than levels decreasing since a 2015 survey reported worrying amounts of salt content, 40 per cent of children’s menu items previously surveyed have actually seen an increase.

The new survey, which measured salt levels in Out of Home (OOH) children’s meals, proves the need for high-salt warnings – similar to those already employed in US areas such as New York City, Action on Salt said.

The group, which aims to combat excessive salt intake, believes these warnings should be printed on children’s menu dishes with more than 1.8g of salt per serving.

The call for labels comes after the new survey found 41 per cent of 351 meals surveyed were high in salt.

The worst offender was TGI Fridays' chicken burger with crispy fries and baked beans – which was found to have a salt content of 5.3g per portion.

Action on Salt said a restaurant meal had the equivalent of 11 bags of salted crisps.

Wetherspoons was not far behind, with its menu item of fish and chips offering 4.9g of salt per serving.

The findings, which also found that lower salt alternatives were available at all of the surveyed outlets, were released at the start of Salt Awareness Week in an effort to raise adult awareness of childhood salt intake.

Mhairi Brown, a nutritionist at Action on Salt, said: “This survey highlights the shocking levels of salt still present in many children’s meals, even though it is well known that dietary habits formed in childhood influences what you eat for the rest of your life. Protecting children’s health should be a priority for all food and drink companies – the out of home sector must act now and take salt off the menu for children.”

Katharine Jenner, a nutritionist and campaign director of Action on Salt, added: “As a parent, it is so hard to try and find food and drink products that are both nutritionally balanced AND appeal to your kids. Children aged four to six should have half as much salt as an adult – just 3g – a day maximum yet they are eating much more than this.

“These food companies have known for years that they need to reduce salt, yet they are neglecting to do their civic duty and are putting our children’s health at risk.”

The NHS recommends a daily limit of salt for an adult of 6g, with children expected to consume less than half that.

It also states that a high-salt diet increases the risks of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.