Australia's saltier fast food putting children at risk

A new report shows Australian children are often consuming an entire day's maximum recommended salt intake in just one fast food meal. Many are renewing calls for government action to limit the amount of salt, and other harmful nutrients, in food.

Source: Public Domain

The latest report shows 80 per cent of Australian children are eating too much salt.

And fast food meals for children - not renowned for being healthy choices in the first place - have been shown to be even saltier in Australia than they are in other places around the world.

Excess salt consumption can lead to high blood pressure - a major risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

And research shows that children with elevated blood pressure may continue to suffer this condition as adults.

It compounds health concerns over obesity levels, with one in four Australian children now classified as obese.

The lead author of the report is public health nutritionist Clare Farrand, from the George Institute for Global Health.

She says high salt consumption is mainly due to people eating so much fast food and over-processed foods these days.