Recent research from the health
pressure group Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH) indicates that the
levels of salt in cheese are higher than previously thought. Given the
widespread use of cheese in most individuals’ weekly diet, there has been an
abundance of articles providing views on these findings from both CASH and the
Department of health as well as explaining how important it is to be aware of
these levels of salt.
The research, which was conducted over a period of four
months, looked at the amount of salt in a standard 30 gram portion of 772
cheeses from various supermarkets including Waitrose and Morrisons. Among the
cheeses considered, cheddar had high levels of salt with an average of .52 grams
of salt per 30 gram portion, whereas mozzarella and emmenthal cheeses had the
lowest amounts of salt. Based on the findings the researchers recommended that
individuals aim to choose healthier options or smaller portions of less healthy
cheeses. They also urged that the Department of Health puts further pressure on
cheese manufacturers to lower the target levels of salt in cheeses they
produce.
We are not
surprised to find that this topic has been so widely reported, as there are
many risk factors associated with a diet with intake of salt such as increased
blood pressure and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. However, the
department of health is currently tackling the high levels of salt in foods
through the “Responsibility Deal” and by creating a new food labelling system.
We
feel that it is valuable to be aware of the high levels of salt found in
various foods, but that a product should not be judged by the amount of one
ingredient alone. Cheese contains protein, vitamins and many important minerals
such as calcium and should not be excluded from a person’s diet unless there is
a good reason for this advice. However, as we do agree that it is important
that consumers always aim for a balanced diet and eat smaller portions or
choose healthier options where possible.