25 January 2008
ACFM has achieved a 43% reduction in the salt levels of its members branded breakfast cereals since 1998
Members of the Association of Cereal Food Manufacturers *(ACFM) has achieved a 43% reduction in the salt¹ levels of its members branded breakfast cereals since 1998.
The latest reduction figures, achieved from 1998 to 2007, mean that breakfast cereals now on average contain only 0.33g 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.
Penny Hunking, Independent Nutritionist commented:
"Cereal manufacturers have been reducing salt in their products for a number of years, prior to the FSA and Department of Health policies on salt reduction. The significant reductions made to date reinforce the fact that cereals contribute a very small proportion of salt in the diet and can make a very important contribution - between 25% and 30% - to the intakes of several vitamins and iron in the diet. Cereal manufacturers are setting a positive example."
In a letter to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) 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.
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 week²
¹ Measured as sodium
² YouGov Survey: Putting Breakfast First. Jan 07
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