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NZFSA, Heart Foundation to reduce NZ’s salt intake

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) and the Heart Foundation are set to combine efforts to reduce New Zealander’s salt intake.

NZFSA chief executive Andrew McKenzie said signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalises the relationship and puts systems in place to help share information and avoid duplication of effort.

“Our organisations are both dedicated to improving the safety and suitability of the food supply and this agreement provides the framework for working together on common goals regarding salt reduction in the New Zealand food supply,” he said.

The New Zealand Total Diet Study, which NZFSA last conducted in 2003/04, estimated that the average New Zealander’s salt intake is in excess of twice the recommended level with approximately 80 per cent of the intake coming from processed foods.

Heart Foundation executive director Tony Duncan said in recent years many New Zealand food companies have successfully collaborated with the Heart Foundation to reduce salt in their products.
“Our goal is to target the leading sources of salt in our diet and support and encourage food manufacturers to reduce salt within key food categories," he said.

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