This research on salt knowledge, attitudes and behaviour shows that Victorians eat almost double the upper daily limit recommended for salt despite only a third indicating their own salt intake exceed dietary guidelines.
Download the report: Victorian consumer survey of knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to salt intake (PDF, 425 KB)
New VicHealth and Deakin University research into salt attitudes and consumption patterns has revealed that Victorian adults are eating almost twice the upper daily limit recommended for salt intake (5g per day).
The main survey collected information online from 2398 Victorian adults aged 18-65 years. A subset of participants provided spot urine samples at shopping centres in Melbourne and Geelong, with the estimated results showing an average daily intake of salt of 9.6 grams per day in males and 7.9 grams per day in females.
The survey also revealed:
- Less than one-third of Victorian adults can correctly identify the 5g daily limit for salt intake
- 59% found it difficult to find lower salt options when eating out
- Two-thirds supported laws to limit the amount of salt added to manufactured foods
- More than two-thirds of parents (70%) believed it is important to reduce salt in their child’s diets; but 22% add salt to their child’s meal
- There was strong support from parents for more action to reduce the amount of salt in foods targeted at children.
