Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Less Salt in Food – but Swedes Still Consume Too Much

The amount of salt in shop bread and cold cuts has decreased in recent years, shows a new survey from the National Food Agency. But the Swedes are still eating far too much salt.

» Updated: 01 October 2024, 07:22

» Published: 19 June 2024

Less Salt in Food – but Swedes Still Consume Too Much
Photo: Leif R Jansson / TT

The amount of salt in shop bread and charcuterie has decreased in recent years, shows a new survey from the Food Agency. However, Swedes are still consuming far too much salt.

The salt content has decreased by 25 per cent in charcuterie products such as sausage and ham, and by approximately 20 per cent in cereal products such as bread, compared to the previous food basket survey from 2015.

The food industry and the Food Agency have been working for several years to reduce the amount of salt in food. In the Food Agency's latest food basket survey, which examines substances in food, both beneficial and harmful, it is clear that salt levels are decreasing.

It's very positive that we're now seeing an effect, says Åsa Brugård Konde, nutritionist at the Food Agency.

Reduce Salt Intake – a Government Mission

That the Swedish population should eat less salt is one of the six sub-goals in the national food goals presented by the Food Agency and the Public Health Agency in February 2024. The food goals are an attempt to get society to rally together so that it becomes easier for Swedes to eat healthily.

Salt consumption should decrease by 20 per cent by 2035 compared to 2018.

We've still got a way to go to reach the goal, but we've come a bit of the way, she says.

The food industry is working to reduce salt, but restaurants need to do more, according to Åsa Brugård Konde:

Lunches at restaurants contain far too much salt.

A survey conducted by the Food Agency a few years ago showed that a single meal could contain more than the daily recommended salt intake.

Diseases Linked to Salt

Eating too much salt is harmful to health, and in Sweden, we eat almost twice as much salt as recommended, with a maximum of six grams of salt per day.

Every fifth heart attack and every tenth stroke in Sweden is estimated to be due to excessive salt consumption, according to the Food Agency. Heart and cardiovascular disease is one of the most common causes of death in Sweden.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Dropped investigation against Jomshof for hate crime
1 MIN READ

Dropped investigation against Jomshof for hate crime

The Government Extends Border Control
1 MIN READ

The Government Extends Border Control

Suspicions of Terrorism Against Swedes to be Tried in Copenhagen
2 MIN READ

Suspicions of Terrorism Against Swedes to be Tried in Copenhagen

Two students stabbed at school in Hallsberg
2 MIN READ

Two students stabbed at school in Hallsberg

Unannounced visits, a new weapon against benefit fraud
2 MIN READ

Unannounced visits, a new weapon against benefit fraud

16-year-old convicted of murder plan in Denmark
2 MIN READ

16-year-old convicted of murder plan in Denmark

Social Democrats' demands on Kristersson: EU plan for Ukraine support
2 MIN READ

Social Democrats' demands on Kristersson: EU plan for Ukraine support

Suspects Released After School Operation
1 MIN READ

Suspects Released After School Operation

The Verdict: Cannabis in the Blood of Pastry Poisoning Victims
1 MIN READ

The Verdict: Cannabis in the Blood of Pastry Poisoning Victims

The Kumla hackers gained access to "almost everything"
2 MIN READ

The Kumla hackers gained access to "almost everything"

Criminal got job as social worker
1 MIN READ

Criminal got job as social worker

Woman dies after being hit by a car in Västerås
1 MIN READ

Woman dies after being hit by a car in Västerås

Voluntary for Municipalities to Employ Doctors
1 MIN READ

Voluntary for Municipalities to Employ Doctors

In Malmö, we commemorate Kristallnacht
1 MIN READ

In Malmö, we commemorate Kristallnacht

The gap is increasing – more women than men continue to study
1 MIN READ

The gap is increasing – more women than men continue to study

Man Shot at in Kista – Escaped Unharmed
1 MIN READ

Man Shot at in Kista – Escaped Unharmed

The Government is Reported for Lack of Climate Plan
1 MIN READ

The Government is Reported for Lack of Climate Plan

"Almost Certain" – 2024 the Warmest Year
2 MIN READ

"Almost Certain" – 2024 the Warmest Year

Stefan Löfven: This is how you talk to Trump
2 MIN READ

Stefan Löfven: This is how you talk to Trump

Expert: Trump's victory "a slap in the face"
3 MIN READ

Expert: Trump's victory "a slap in the face"