Salt Watch says South Africa has one of the highest number of high blood pressure sufferers in the world with 6.3 million people living with the condition resulting in around 7000 deaths a year. The generally high salt intake in the country makes people more susceptible to life-threatening diseases like stroke and heart disease.
Canned food brand, Rhodes Foods, has come out in support of efforts by lobby group, Salt Watch, to reduce the amount of salt found in South African food products.
Its Baked Beans and Cream Style Sweetcorn have both already been awarded the Heart and Stroke Foundations Heart Mark; the only products in their class to achieve this.
Commercial director for Rhodes Food Group, Richard Phillips, says although key products have always been below the proposed levels of compliance, it supports the new legislation to regulate sodium content in food.
"We always strive to provide healthier options that do not compromise on taste. A small change can make a big difference and by producing low sodium staple foods such as baked beans and sweetcorn we are doing our bit to improve the health of many South Africans."
Shân Biesman-Simons RD (SA), the director of Nutrition and Education at The Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa has commended Rhodes Foods for its efforts. "We are thrilled that we now have baked beans that carry the Heart Mark logo. Baked beans are trendy, versatile and require no cooking. They can be served hot or cold and should be eaten by people from all walks of life including children and senior citizens," she said.
