A study made by the World Action on Salt and Health (WASH) revealed that famous fast food chains in the world including KFC, McDonald's and Subway are selling food for children that contains high amounts of salt enough to make authorities and parents worry.
The said food companies are too focused on increasing their sales by creating healthier foods but the WASH reminded them to reduce their salt levels. In the research conducted by the agency, they discovered that 8 out of 10 meals contain more than one gram of salt. The said amount is more than a child aging from 4 to 6 should consume in one meal.
The WASH noted that children in mentioned age group can only consume up to 3 grams of salt per day. Younger ones should consume lesser amount. On the other hand, adults are encouraged to consume less than 6 grams of salt per day which is equivalent to one teaspoon.
The research was conducted in fast foods from 37 countries. Researchers found that salt levels in kids' meals vary in every region around the world. The McDonald's chicken nugget meal which contains over one gram of salt in the US has 1.4 grams in China and 2.4 grams of salt in Turkey. The authorities were not just surprised but were alarmed of their findings.
KFC stores in Canada serves fries with 1.9 grams of salts which is only 0.9 grams in the Germany franchises. On the brighter side, fries salt level in Australia is low at 0.5 grams.
In addition, Subway stores in America has lower salt levels at below one gram than the 1.5 grams in Germany.
Graham MacGregor, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Queen Mary University of London who is also the chairman of WASH stated the effects of too much salt in foods.
"The more salt you eat as a child, the more likely you are to have serious health issues in later life. That is why it is vitally important that children do not get used to the taste of salt," said the chairman.
