A panel discussion at the FoB conference, chaired by Julian Hunt of the Food and Drink Federation, touched on the issue of salt.

Paul Molyneux, quality director of Hovis, said that salt had been reduced by 30% since 2000. But Dr Susan Jebb disputed the figure and said there was still more for the industry to achieve.

She also mentioned portion size and said there was over- consumption with overly large portions of food items and meals.

She pointed out there could be as many as 750 calories in a muffin and stressed the importance of compensating - a high intake one meal should be followed by a low intake on the next eating occasion.

Meanwhile, Scott Clarke of Tesco noted that people should exercise more. "It’s about balance in life," he said.

Topics