Aviko has stepped up its commitment be part of the salt solution by continuing to dramatically reduce the salt content across some of its most popular products, and pledging to not add any salt in the majority of its products.
Since 2009, Aviko has removed 18 tonnes of salt across its range of frozen and chilled potato products – including staples such as its Roast Potatoes, Mash and Herb Dice Potatoes – and with products such as Aviko’s Premium Fries containing no added salt at all, it’s never been easier for operators to cut sodium chloride from their dishes.
The importance of ‘salt-safe’ menu options is once again highlighted by World Action on Salt & Health and Consensus Action on Salt & Health (CASH), which jointly launch the 16th Salt Awareness Week in March (16th – 22nd March 2015). Statistics from CASH show that for every 1g of salt cut from the average daily intake, there would be over 4,000 fewer deaths from strokes and heart attacks each year and could save the NHS a massive £288 million per annum*.
This year’s Salt Awareness Week focuses on the importance of giving children a low salt diet early in life – a hot issue in recent years with many of the high street operators coming under criticism from Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH) for the high levels of salt in children’s menus.
Mohammed Essa, General Manager UK and Ireland, Aviko, commented: “As a keen supporter of Salt Awareness Week, Aviko works hard to reduce the salt levels in its products and provide caterers with safer menu options throughout the day. With evidence suggesting the eating habits in childhood influence those in later life, it’s essential we, as an industry, work together to help reduce the amount of salt young people consume.”
A high salt intake can lead to a number of health issues for children including high blood pressure, osteoporosis, asthma, stomach cancer and obesity, it’s vital for caterers to offer appealing low salt options for them.
Much of Aviko’s product range – such as its Hash Brown Bites, Sweet Potato Fries and Garlic & Herb Wedges – meet or fall well under FSA guidelines on salt levels – making them especially ideal for children’s menus. In addition, Aviko’s Tiger Fries – a mix of Sweet Potato Fries and premium Skin-On Superlongs – are sure to go down a storm on kids’ menus and – with no added salt – are also an easy way for operators to reduce their sodium chloride-rich offering.
Mohammed adds: “Kids eat with their eyes so it’s important to offer visually attractive low salt options. Our Tiger Fries serving suggestion includes Sweet Potato Fries which are perfect for children’s menus thanks to their vibrant colour and sweet taste, providing the ideal solution for caterers who want to offer low salt, yet flavoursome, menu choices and profit in the process.”
To support the concept Aviko has created a range of FREE point-of-sale materials to help operators capture the profitable family pound, available from Aviko’s website.
Aviko’s salt reduction programme is part of its overall CSR drive to achieve sustainable best practice across the board. The action is detailed in its latest CSR report, published last year, which is available for download here.
More details about Salt Awareness Week can be found at www.actiononsalt.org.uk.
*www.actiononsalt.org.uk/news/facts/index.html#sthash.R4JRwwOp.dpuf
For more product information on Aviko’s extensive range call 0800 633 5611 or visit www.aviko.co.uk
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