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22 August 2007
ACFM response to LACORS 'Salt in Food' survey
Members of the Association of Cereal Food Manufacturers* (ACFM) support the work of the Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS) and the Food Standards Agency in their efforts to address salt levels in food and wish to highlight the significant 38% reduction in the salt levels of the nation's favourite breakfast cereal brands since 1998.
The latest reduction figures mean that breakfast cereals now on average contain only 0.36g of sodium per 100g, which equates to less than 5% of the average adult daily intake.
Breakfast cereal manufactures are also leading the way in clearer nutritional labelling via the use of Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs). The GDA labels that are now available on many cereal brands enable consumers to clearly note the levels of salt and other nutrients that are contained in a suggested portion. The label also allows people to make easy comparisons within the breakfast category and ensures they are able to monitor their nutrient intake and remain within the recommended 6g of salt as part of their daily diet.
In a letter to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Department of Health (DH), the ACFM outlined that its members will continue to look at their product formulations and conduct consumer testing to ensure that consumer preferences are met. This is part of a wider commitment to improve consumers' health through a balanced diet and active lifestyle.
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For further information contact the BCIS Team on:
Tel: 020 7815 3900
Email: info@breakfastcereal.org
Notes to Editor:
. The ACFM is the trade association of the UK's leading breakfast cereal manufacturers, which includes Cereal Partners, Dailycer, Dorset Cereals, Jordans, Kellogg's, Mornflake, Quaker and Weetabix
. The latest salt reduction figures were generated by the annual ACFM review of sodium levels in branded breakfast cereals using methodology endorsed by Food Standards Agency
. Breakfast cereals are the most popular breakfast food with 88% of UK adults sometimes eating it and two thirds having it at least once a week
. Latest NDNS figures show that the mean consumption of breakfast cereals is 33g per day in men and 27g per day for women, with 75% of this being wholegrain and high fibre varieties
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