Dangers of salt ignored

IRISH people are not getting the message that too much salt is pushing up their blood pressure levels, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

According to the SLÁN report on dietary habits, the average salt intake has remained the same among men and women over the past 10 years at about 8g a day — well above the daily recommended allowance of 6g.

And the 6g set by the Food safety Authority of Ireland is set at a level well in excess of physiological requirements.