UK Sandwiches Often Exceed Daily Salt Limits

A new study by the health campaign group Action on Salt and Sugar has found that many popular shop-bought sandwiches in the UK contain salt levels exceeding daily health guidelines, with one product surpassing the recommended adult maximum in a single serving.

The analysis examined 546 sandwiches, wraps, rolls, and baguettes from supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury's, as well as high street chains including Gails, Pret A Manger, and others. Researchers determined that one in 10 products exceeded both salt and calorie targets. Nearly half, or 44 percent, would require a red "high" warning label for salt on front-of-pack nutrition information. Another 32 percent provided half or more of an adult's maximum daily salt limit of 6 grams, equivalent to about one level teaspoon.

The highest salt content was recorded in Gails Smoked Chicken Caesar Club sandwich, at 6.88 grams. That amount equals the salt in nearly five McDonald's cheeseburgers or 10 rashers of bacon. The product, priced at 8.90 pounds and marketed as substantial, also contained 1,067 calories, 90 percent of the daily saturated fat limit, and just 20 percent of recommended fiber. Other high-salt examples included...