The salt content in some pesto sauces has increased despite a push to reduce levels, a campaign group has found.
Consensus
Action on Salt and Health said Sacla's Italia Organic Vegetarian Pesto
No 5 Basil and Italia Pesto No 1 Classic Basil now contain more salt per
serving than a McDonald's hamburger.
It said none of the sauces it checked, including some made by Sainsbury's and Tesco, could be described as healthy.
Sacla said its products should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Authentic products
Consensus
Action on Salt and Health (Cash) said salt levels in both Sacla sauces
had increased in both products since they were last surveyed in 2009 -
they now contained more than 1.5g of salt per 47.5g serving.
Cash
found that Napolina Green Pesto with Basil, Gino D'Acampo Pesto alla
Genovese Basil Pesto and Truly Italian Genovese Basil Pesto contained
between 2g and 2.5g of salt per 100g.
Tesco Reduced Fat Red Pesto,
Aldi's Specially Selected Italian Pesto Genovese and Italian Pesto
Rosso, Jamie Oliver Green Pesto and Sainsbury's Taste The Difference
Pesto alla Genovese contained less than 1g of salt per 100g.
Cash
assistant nutritionist Sarah Alderton said: "Pesto is an everyday
product eaten by adults and children alike, but people might not realise
just how salty it can be.
"None of the products we surveyed could
be described as 'healthy', so consider having pesto in smaller
portions, less frequently or try other pasta sauces lower in salt and
fat instead."
Cash called on Public Health England (PHE) to "act tough" on the food industry.
A
Sacla spokeswoman said: "We work hard to make authentic Italian
products which are good quality, safe to eat and should be enjoyed as
part of a balanced diet."