Mandatory Salt Curbs Could Reduce Heart Disease Rate

Government-imposed mandatory limits on salt levels in processed food may be more effective than voluntary curbs by the industry in reducing heart disease rates, according to a study by Australian researchers.

The study, published online in the journal Heart, said mandatory limits could be 20 times more effective, accounting for a reduction of 18% in cardiovascular diseases.

The study also found that 610,000 years of healthy life could be added if everyone reduced their salt intake to a maximum of 6g per day.

The research, however, said voluntary industry restrictions would slash ill health from heart disease by almost 1%.