Salt warnings on restaurant menus can encourage consumers to make healthier choices, according to groundbreaking research that provides the strongest evidence yet for the effectiveness of such labelling. The first study into the initiative suggests UK diners respond positively to clear warnings about high-salt dishes.
Researchers from Liverpool University found that consumers see warnings on menus as effective in discouraging them from ordering options that are high in salt. The study, published in The Lancet Public Health, examined salt warning labels that alerted consumers to dishes exceeding 50 per cent of the recommended UK daily salt limit of six grams.
Online trial shows promising results
An online trial involving 2,391 UK adults demonstrated that salt warning labels were perceived by participants as effective in discouraging selection of high-salt items. The labels reduced salt ordered by 0.26 grams per meal during the digital experiment.
A real-world trial at a Liverpool restaurant with 454 participants showed even more encouraging results. Labelled menus prompted greater awareness of salt content when ordering and reduced the salt ordered by 0.54 grams per meal.
Labels work across all demographics
Across both trials, labels were found to be equally effective regardless of age, sex or education level. This suggests that salt warnings could benefit the entire population rather than just specific demographic groups.
Dr Rebecca Evans, the study's lead author, said: "Our study has found that salt warning labels on menus help people make healthier choices. Given that excess salt intake is a leading cause of diet-related disease, this kind of labelling policy could play a vital role in improving population health."
First real-world restaurant study
The research team emphasised that this was the first real-world randomised controlled trial globally to evaluate salt labelling in a full-service restaurant environment. Dr Evans added: "This study demonstrates that even small nudges at the point of purchase can encourage healthier choices."
Sonia Pombo, from Action on Salt, said: "This important new study adds to the growing evidence that clear and visible salt warning labels on menus can positively influence consumer choices and reduce salt intake. Eating out is no longer an occasional indulgence - it's a routine part of daily life."
Public health implications highlighted
Pombo warned that many meals are loaded with salt, often without diners' knowledge or consent. She called for stronger action from policymakers, stating: "If we're serious about protecting public health and saving lives, salt reduction must be front and centre of the UK's food policy agenda."
The findings suggest that simple menu labelling could be an effective tool in tackling diet-related health problems across the UK.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
