Salt is a hard habit to shake off for kids

Salt is essential for our bodies, but experts say children are consuming far too much of it, which could lead to serious health problems. Clodagh Finn reports.

PARENTS steer their children away from fizzy drinks, sugary treats and fat-laden snacks, and even take the salt cellar off the table.

But most of the excess salt eaten by children is hidden in their favourite foods — the daily bowl of cereal, the lunchbox staples (bread, ham, processed meats, cheese dips, biscuits) and everyday dinners, such as pasta and sauce, pizza, beans or sausages.