HC Deb 09 February 1998 vol 306 c61W
Mr. Jack

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what meetings his Department has hosted with non-governmental bodies or individuals to discuss the setting of targets for levels of human sodium intake; and if he will make a statement on the results of such meetings and list those who attended; [28535]

(2) if he will publish the scientific advice presented to his Department showing the effect on health outcomes of introducing population consumption targets for sodium consumption. [28534]

Ms Jowell

The evidence on the relationship between sodium consumption and blood pressure was considered by the Government's source of independent expert advice, the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy. It is cited in their report "Nutritional Aspects of Cardiovascular Disease", published in 1994. As part of their consideration, experts were invited to present views and the names of those who gave oral or written evidence are also cited in the report. Copies of the report are available in the Library.

The Faculty of Public Health Medicine, in collaboration with the British Heart Foundation, hosted a seminar at the request of the Department to bring together a wide spread of scientific opinion to consider the advisability of a reduction in sodium consumption for the general population. A report is expected later this year.

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