Chippies urged to swap their shakers

29th April 2009, 8:23am

Fish and chip shops in Bolton are being urged to swap their shakers in a bid to reduce customers' salt intake.

Bolton Council's environmental health officers will be visiting traditional chippies over the next few weeks offering them new salt shakers with fewer holes.

Most takeaway salt shakers have several large holes in the cap which means customers cannot control the amount being added to their food.

The new shakers have only five holes and chip shop staff are being encouraged to shake the pot less if they add condiments on behalf of the customer.

Reducing the number of holes in the salt pot is a discreet way of limiting the amount of salt eaten.

According to reports, adults and children over the age of 11 should eat no more than 6g of salt a day, which equates to around a level teaspoonful.

Consuming too much salt could lead to high blood pressure and an increase in the risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke.

Chip shop owner, Mr Yukchoi Wan, who is now using the new style shakers, said: "I think this campaign is a good idea as in the long term it will be beneficial to people's health. I used to have the old style shakers with three times as many holes in them but I started using the new ones straight away. Not many people have noticed the change but those who have agree that it is a good idea."

Executive member for health and adult social care, Councillor Madeline Murray, said : "We are not against the idea of fish and chips but everyone is aware that too much salt can damage your health. Traditionally, people put salt onto their chip shop meal or have it applied for them by the person serving. By reducing the number of holes in the salt shaker we are helping people to consume less salt in a subtle way and therefore enabling them to lead a healthier lifestyle."

The council is one of 10 Greater Manchester authorities taking part in the national Food Standards Agency campaign to lower the amount of salt intake by residents.

Related Articles:

• 13 Oct 2009 - Area winners announced for National Fish & Chip Shop of the Year
• 24 Aug 2009 - Consumers opt for fish & chips over meal at restaurant
• 14 Aug 2009 - Voting begins in Fish & Chip Shop of the Year contest
• 03 Jun 2009 - Favourite pub chains lagging behind in salt reduction
• 19 May 2009 - Salt reduction plans underway
• 22 Jul 2008 - FDF responds to salt intake reductions
• 31 Jan 2008 - Six-week plan to reduce salt levels

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Andrew Denny

29 April 2009 at 4:43pm

But why always SALT? Why not something else? I wish chippies would offer a selection of sprinkles - for example, chilli powder or paprika, lemon juice or garlic vinegar. Salt isn't the only option. I've heard that lemon juice and vinegar together nicely replicates the 'salty' feel in the mouth, without the dietary drawbacks.

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