Some sandwiches sold in shops contain more salt than seven packets of crisps, with all-day breakfast varieties among the saltiest. Campaign group Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH) surveyed 140 sandwiches and found that Asda's Extra Special Yorkshire Ham and Hawes Wensleydale was the saltiest with 3.9 grams. Walkers ready salted crisps contain 0.5g of salt per bag.

CASH said its research would help consumers make a healthy choice, but the food industry said the survey was misleading. "Many of us buy a sandwich for our lunch most days of the week, but we need to know how much salt is in those sandwiches," said CASH's Carrie Bolt. "Choosing a high-salt version may take us over the daily limit of salt and could affect our long-term health."

All-day breakfast sandwiches were among the saltiest in the survey. Pret a Manger's version had 3.54g, while the Tesco Finest one had 3.5g. However, the British Sandwich Association's Director Jim Winship said survey was “a little bit of nonsense”. "We are slightly bemused by this bit of research that appears to be just trying to grab headlines," he said. "The UK sandwich industry doesn't add any salt. The salt in sandwiches comes in the ingredients, just the same as if you go and buy bacon in the supermarket."

NamNews - Friday 6th July 2007

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