South Ayrshire Council change is worth its salt

Jul 3 2009

Council is shaken up on chippy salt

COUNCIL chiefs want to reduce the number of holes in chippy salt dispensers.

The move follows an analysis of the salt content from 20 bags of chips bought in South Ayrshire.

Tests revealed that the average portion contains around 23 per cent of the recommended daily salt allowance.

Environmental health officers explained that the salt content ranged from 0.54 to 2.96 grammes in the samples collected.

And now they want to issue chip shops with new salt dispensers, reducing the typical number of holes from 17 to just five.

Councillor Peter Convery maintains that the plan could help reduce the amount of salt consumed.

He said: “We are not telling people to stop taking salt on their chips, but we do want to educate people about the damage that too much salt can cause to their health.

“There is strong evidence that links high salt intake to high blood pressure, which is the main cause of strokes and a major cause of heart attacks.

“Reducing the amount of salt we eat is a vital step towards reducing illnesses.

“I would like to thank all the businesses who are supporting us and working with us to try and reduce the amount of salt that people consume.”

But chippy boss Marco Luni insists that customers will simply ask for more if they don’t get the salt they want from new dispensers.

The manager of the popular Wellington Restaurant in Ayr explained: “So long as the customers are getting what they want then they don't care.

“I can appreciate why the council are doing it – but it doesn't work.”

And he also suggested that some chippies will simply add more holes to the new dispensers, if customers complain.

He added: “People are after the same amount of salt, regardless of how many holes it’s coming out of. They either ask for extra or want to pour it on themselves.”

The maximum recommended intake is dependant on age: One to three year olds – two grammes per day; Four to six year olds – three grammes per day; Seven to 10 year olds – five grammes per day; 11 and over – six grammes per day.

For more information on salt, you can visit www.eatwell.gov.uk/trafficlights