Shocking levels of salt in children’s restaurant meals
High street dishes contain more than daily recommended dose
CHILDREN’S meals at popular restaurants such as Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Prezzo and Bella Italia can contain more than a day’s recommended salt intake, a report claims.
Youngsters aged between four and six should eat no more than 3g of salt per day, according to the NHS.
But a review of 503 main meals at 29 eateries by campaign group Action on Salt found many dishes exceeded this. Gourmet Burger Kitchen was reported to have the highest overall salt content in its children’s meals, averaging 3.06g per dish.
Professor Graham MacGregor, an expert in cardiovascular medicine and chair of Action on Salt, warned too much in early life could lead to high blood pressure later.
He added: “Raised blood pressure is the biggest cause of strokes and heart disease. Our research clearly demonstrates many companies are deliberately flouting the targets for salt reduction in foods and appear to be indifferent to our children’s health. “It is time that the Government took action and enforced the salt targets, as some companies have clearly demonstrated that it can be done.”
Voluntary salt reduction targets set by the Government for 2024 say main meals aimed at children should contain no more than 1.71g of salt.
Research found only six restaurants where all children’s meals complied. But Gourmet Burger Kitchen questioned some of the report’s figures.
A spokesman said its meals were considered “a treat for children, not an everyday meal option”, adding: “We understand the importance of offering healthier options and are taking several measures to improve our kids’ meal choices.”
Bella Italia said some menu items were “predisposed to having a higher salt content” and it was working with suppliers to keep improving nutritional content. Prezzo was approached for comment.
John Maingay, at the British Heart Foundation, said up to 85% of the salt we consume is in the food we buy. He added: “There is a clear case for helping families eat more healthily by taking salt out of food before it ends up on plates, at home and eating out.”
The Department of Health and Social Care said: “We are committed to ensuring children eat healthy and nutritious meals, which is why we’ve set firm and clear targets for all sectors of the food industry to reduce salt in products.”