Brakes accelerates salt reduction process

Brakes is the latest company to heed government pressure on manufacturers to improve the health credentials of processed foods with the announcement that it is launching a number of key products with reduced salt and fat.

The UK's leading supplier to caterers is focusing on products for the education and children's sectors so as to reduce the amount of fat and salt that children consume at lunchtime. It says that it has cut the salt and fat content of some of its products by up to 30%.

While Brakes is keen to promote healthier eating to children it is aware that its products still need to be appealing, as healthier foods are not always popular among young people. "One of the key challenges for caterers, especially in the education sector, is to devise children's menus that are not only affordable and healthier but are also made up of tasty foods children will want to eat," says Barry Gurteen, Brakes' trade sector director.

In response to this requirement, the company has launched healthier versions of products already popular among children. First to leave the development kitchen are a low fat cheese and tomato pizza slab, reduced fat cheese, reduced salt sliced wholemeal and white bread, and the company's American Special Seasoned Burgers and spaghetti rings in tomato sauce, both with reduced fat and salt.

Brakes intends to increase the range further, and more foods are currently under development, it says.