Significant salt reduction won’t affect safety in broths and ready meals, say researchers

By Caroline SCOTT-THOMAS

- Last updated on GMT

Salt reduction had little effect on microbial inhibition, the researchers found
Salt reduction had little effect on microbial inhibition, the researchers found
Significant salt reduction is possible in most broths and ready meals without affecting microbial safety, according to a new study published in the Journal of Food Safety.

Large-scale salt reduction efforts are being encouraged on a global basis, as governments seek to reduce population-wide salt intake. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that Europeans eat too much salt, at about 8-12 g per day, and it recommends that people consume no more than 5 g per day.

However, apart from issues of taste, texture and colour, salt also has an impact on the growth of bacteria responsible for food spoilage, so it is imperative that food manufacturers ensure there is no change in food safety when cutting salt content.

This latest study, from researchers at the University of Limerick, found that reducing salt by up to 50% had no effect on the microbiological quality of ready meals for broth. No difference was noted in quality when salt was at concentrations of 3% or less – which is about the average concentration of salt in commercially available ready meals, the researchers said.

At this concentration, the researchers said they observed ‘little inhibition’ of E. coli​ and Staphylococcus aureus​, except for E. coli​ in one ready meal variety with the highest salt content. However, the inhibitive effect was only slight.

“This study may have significance in the manufacture of reduced salt foods where concerns regarding the impact of salt reduction on microbial quality may preclude a meaningful lowering of added salt levels,” ​the authors wrote.

“Data suggest that a large-scale salt reduction program is technically feasible for these particular products, although a case by case investigation is required to ensure all low salt foods are comparable, in terms of microbial safety with commercially available regular salt counterparts,”​ they added.

 

Source: Journal of Food Safety

doi: 10.1111/jfs.12053

“The effect of salt reduction on the growth of food spoilage bacteria in model broth systems and salt-adjusted ready meals”

Authors: Edel Durack, Mercedes Alonso-Gomez and Martin G. Wilkinson

Related news

Show more

Related products

Study: Natural Preservation Is What Consumers Want

Study: Natural Preservation Is What Consumers Want

Content provided by Corbion | 11-Jun-2024 | White Paper

If you’ve been trying to decide between the consumer appeal of a natural solution and the efficacy of a conventional preservative, there's good news....

Take Control with Predictive Modeling from Corbion

Take Control with Predictive Modeling from Corbion

Content provided by Corbion | 08-Mar-2024 | Product Brochure

Increased demand for uncured, higher pH formulations and natural products has made the challenge of controlling Listeria difficult. The good news: the...

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars