Lidl to slash salt and sugar in its in-house range

DISCOUNT supermarket Lidl was praised by healthy eating experts yesterday as it vowed to slash the amount of sugar and salt in its foods.

More than 850 of its ownbrand products – almost a third of its range – are being assessed as the chain commits to cut added sugar by 20%, as well as reducing salt levels by the end of next year.

Anti-obesity campaigner Professor Donal O’Shea, head of obesity management at the HSE, was ‘delighted’ at the decision which was raised at a recent meeting with the Department of Health.

‘It’s really good news and comes on the back of statistics showing that childhood obesity rates are beginning to downtrend,’ he said.

‘They’re still way too high, but these kind of moves are exactly the kind of moves that will help that continue.

‘One of the huge unintended consequences of the sugar tax is that all the major drinks companies reduced their sugar content before the tax came in to minimise their tax exposure. And that is what has people consuming less sugar. I’m very happy with it,’ he added.

Health Minister Simon Harris said: ‘I want to commend Lidl for this initiative to reduce the sugar and salt content of many of their own-brand products to help create a healthier food environment.

‘This is something I hope others will replicate.

‘The food and retail industry can make a positive contribution to the prevention of obesity.’

Rising levels of obesity is one factor in an increase in disability and associated diseases such as diabetes across Europe, and in Ireland in particular, according to World Health Organization.

Obesity is also blamed for a staggering one in 20 deaths around the globe.

A recent health and nutrition policy published by Lidl outlines the strategy for reducing the sugar and salt content in its own-brand products in response to the Government-led initiative Healthy Ireland and, in particular, the Obesity Action Plan.

The document states that the policy is also a direct response to customers demanding healthier choices.

Food categories such as breakfast cereals, spreads, sauces and sweets will be Lidl’s major focus, but the supermarket chain will also review around 350 other ownbrand products to help it reach its target.

The company also plans to cut the amount of salt in its ownbrand products.

The reduction of salt first focuses on food categories that are consumed on a regular basis and make up a large share of consumers’ daily salt intake, including: ready meals, soups, pizzas, crisps, cakes and meat products.

Lidl Ireland commercial director Liam Casey said: ‘Promoting and providing healthier food options for our customers is something we are passionate about at Lidl Ireland. Our recent health and nutrition policy underlines our commitment to Government-led initiatives and we are delighted to have the support of Minister Harris during its launch.’

christian.mccashin@dailymail.ie

‘It’s really good news’