A new study by Action on Salt & Sugar reveals that nearly half of the UK's most popular sandwiches qualify for a high-salt warning. The analysis of 546 sandwiches from major supermarkets and chains like Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Greggs, and Caffè Nero found 44% would receive a red label for salt content.
One in four sandwiches are classified as less healthy under current regulations. Government salt reduction targets, set for 2023, are missed in 12% of sandwiches. All sandwiches from Gail's, Starbucks, Coco di Mama, and Tootoomoo had high salt levels. The Gail's smoked chicken caesar club contained 6.88g of salt, equivalent to nearly five McDonald's cheeseburgers.
UK adults consume 40% above the recommended 6g daily maximum salt intake, raising risks for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. With 11.5 billion sandwiches eaten annually, small reductions could significantly impact public health.
Sonia Pombo, Head of Research at Action on Salt & Sugar, called the findings unacceptable, stating that voluntary measures have failed and the government must enforce mandatory regulations.