Topic: Health

A new study found that many popular takeaway meals in the UK contain more salt than they claim. Researchers tested 39 meals from 23 locations and found that almost half contained more salt than their labels said. This is a problem because high salt intake can be bad for our health.

New research suggests that many of the UK's most popular takeout meals contain more salt than diners are led to believe.

In some cases, a single meal provided well over the recommended daily limit, even though menu labels suggested otherwise. Researchers found that 47% of the takeout foods they tested contained more salt than their stated values.

Curries, pasta dishes, and pizzas were among the foods most likely to have higher salt levels than advertised. Although not every restaurant listed salt information on its menu, some meals purchased from independent restaurants in Reading contained more than 10g of salt in a single serving. By comparison, the recommended daily salt intake for an adult in the UK is 6g.

One unexpected finding was that traditional fish and chip shops served some of the lowest salt meals. Because salt is typically added only after cooking and only if requested, these meals generally contained less salt than many other takeout options.

Study Examined Takeout Salt Labels The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Reading and published in the journal PLOS One, investigated how accurately restaurant menus report salt content and how much salt levels vary among similar dishes. Professor Gunter Kuhnle, who led the study from the University of Reading, said: "We conducted this research because we suspected that many menu labels were inaccurate on salt. It is very difficult for restaurants to provide accurate values without measuring each meal.

Variations in preparation methods, ingredients used and portion sizes mean food labels are often guess work. It's virtually impossible to know exactly how much salt is being added to your dinner."

Why It Matters

This study matters because high salt intake can lead to health problems like heart disease and stroke. Many Indians eat takeaway meals regularly, so it's essential to be aware of the salt content in these foods.

Key Facts

• 47% of takeout foods tested contained more salt than their stated values.
• The recommended daily salt intake for an adult in the UK is 6g.
• Some meals purchased from independent restaurants in Reading contained more than 10g of salt in a single serving.
• Traditional fish and chip shops served some of the lowest salt meals.
• The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Reading and published in PLOS One.

Key Terms

Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

A scientific technique used to measure the amount of salt in food.

Implications

This study matters because high salt intake can lead to health problems like heart disease and stroke. Many Indians eat takeaway meals regularly, so it's essential to be aware of the salt content in these foods.