In nearly half of fast food dishes, the salt content was higher than stated 0 9

A study confirmed discrepancies between the declared and actual salt content in fast food restaurant dishes. In nearly half of the checked servings, the actual sodium amount exceeded the values listed on the menu. This is reported by PLOS One.

Specialists purchased 39 food portions from 23 establishments — from local restaurants to major chains. The sample included popular dishes: pizza, burgers, pasta, sandwiches, and French fries. After purchase, the products were frozen, subjected to freeze-drying, and ground for precise laboratory analysis of sodium content.

In 47 percent of cases, the actual salt amount was higher than stated. Individual portions contained more sodium than the recommended daily allowance (no more than five grams per day according to British standards and WHO recommendations). Exceedances were most often found in pasta dishes.

Researchers note that the discrepancies are not necessarily related to intentional deception. The final composition is influenced by differences in recipes, portion sizes, the amount of sauces, as well as the variability of ingredients (cheese, meat, sauces from different batches contain varying amounts of sodium). Labels in the menu should be regarded only as a guideline, not as an exact indicator of nutritional value.