Salt Levels in Pizzas Higher Than Atlantic Sea Water

Some of the pizzas available in supermarkets have salt content levels higher than that of Atlantic sea water, a new study conducted by British health organizations reveal. Researchers from Consensus Action on Salt and Health (Cash) and the Association of London Environmental Health Managers (ALEHM) analyzed around 199 margherita and pepperoni pizzas from popular takeaways, supermarkets and pizza chains in Britain and found that more than half of takeaway pizzas had salt content equal to the entire daily limit recommended by the Department of Health.

One of the pizzas from a London restaurant, Adam & Eve restaurant in Mill Hill, had 2.73 grams of salt per 100 grams, more than the 2.5 grams of salt per 100 grams present in the Atlantic sea water. The researchers also found that more than 84 percent of the pizzas analyzed contained high levels of manufactured trans fat, which increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Stating that the government has to do more to reduce the salt levels, Cash chairman Professor Graham MacGregor said, “The Government is not taking enough action to reduce the amount of salt in the takeaway sector. Salt puts up our blood pressure - the highest risk factor for stroke. Reducing our intake would save thousands of people suffering and dying from a stroke.”


Source-Medindia