Meals for kids in pubs 'have too much salt'

Rebecca Prescott14 Jun 2012

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New research by Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH) has uncovered the high levels of salt hidden in the children’s meals at some of the UK's pub and fast food chains.

With some of the surveyed restaurants offering meals that contain more than a child’s salt Guidelines Daily Amount (GDA) of 4g for an entire day.

Five of the highest main meals (including side dishes) found were at the following outlets:

  • Nando’s - Nandino’s Veggie Burger with Creamy Mash: 5.3g salt.
  • Wetherspoon - Wiltshire Cured Ham & Cheese Sandwich (served with chips): 4.8g salt.
  • Harvester - Gammon and Chicken Combo with Mashed Potato and Beans: 4.3g salt.
  • Sizzling Pub Co - 4oz Gammon with Mash and Beans: 4.1g salt.
  • Wetherspoon - Chicken Breast Nuggets with Chips and Baked Beans: 4.0g salt.

The survey found huge variations in meals, even at the same restaurants. However, with no nutritional information on the menus, it's impossible for parents to make a healthier choice for their children, the research shows.

Side dishes are an extra hidden source of salt, with a Creamy Mash or Spicy Rice from Nando’s containing 1.8g, which is more than twice as much salt as a main dish of Nandinos Chicken Breast Fillet Strips at 0.8g.

Desserts were also found to be surprising sources of hidden salt, with five desserts found to contain the same, or more, salt as a packet of crisps.

Source: CASH

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