Consensus for Action on Salt & Health (CASH) has collected data on white bread brands in the UK, and Brace’s and Linwoods do not meet the 2017 max salt target.
The recommended maximum daily amount of salt is 2.5g, and the 2017 salt target is 1.13g per 100g. Brace’s XXX Thick White, Braces Extra Thick White, Linwoods Harvest Pride White Premium Sliced Bread 800g, Brace’s Thick White and Brace’s Medium White were the only loaves not to meet the target.
CASH said: “This is despite the major progress made prior to 2010, when the salt reduction program was under the Food Standards Agency.”
Pleased to see results
Gordon Polson, director of the Federation of Bakers, was buoyant about the news: "I am very pleased to see the results, as it shows the industry’s commitment to the important issue of salt."
He added: "A target set for 2017 still gives the industry 24 months to adjust, and the fact that the vast majority have already done so is fantastic news.
"Salt has long been an important talking point, and rightly so. The industry has endeavoured and will continue to endeavour to reduce salt levels wherever possible."
Sunblest, Marks & Spencer and Fletchers are also in the top ten for salt levels in white bread.
Data per 100g and per portion for 2016 was collected online and in store from the week commencing 26 January 2016 until 9 February 2016. The data was sorted from highest to lowest salt content per 100g, and salt was calculated from sodium where necessary.
Transparent monitoring system
CASH is calling for David Cameron to set up an independent agency responsible for nutrition with regulated targets for salt, saturated fat and sugar, “with a forceful, transparent monitoring system.”
It said in a statement: “The food industry should no longer be allowed to police themselves.”
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