Test results of targeted surveillance on edible salt all satisfactory

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has found that test results for samples collected in a recently completed targeted food surveillance project on edible salt were all satisfactory.

"Edible salt is a condiment used in daily lives. In recent years, media reports on the illegal act of selling industrial grade salt as edible salt in areas outside Hong Kong have sparked concerns among consumers over the safety of edible salt in Hong Kong. In view of this, the CFS collected 100 prepackaged and loose-pack edible salt samples at import level and from different retail outlets and restaurants for testing of metallic contaminants and nitrite," a spokesman for the CFS said today (July 14).

Though the test results were all satisfactory, the spokesman reminded the food trade to ensure that food is fit for consumption and meets legal requirements. Consumers should patronise reliable shops and maintain a balanced diet to minimise food risk.

"Dietary sodium (salt) intake is closely related to health. Excessive sodium (salt) intake will increase the risk of developing hypertension, stroke and coronary heart disease," the spokesman said.

"The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum sodium intake of 2000 milligrams daily (slightly less than one level teaspoon of salt) for adults and that the global population's mean intake of salt shall be reduced by 30 per cent by 2025. To avoid adverse health effects caused by excessive intake of sodium (salt), the public is advised to make careful choices of food by making reference to nutrition labels and choosing food with relatively lower sodium content," he added.

The CFS will remain vigilant and continue its surveillance of edible salt available in the market to ensure food safety and protect public health.

Ends/Tuesday, July 14, 2015