Nestle to Reduce Salt Levels in Food to Please WHO

Despite experts not being in agreement in correct consumption limits

the world's biggest food company, plans to reduce salt levels in foods including Maggi-branded instant soups and Buitoni pasta to meet goals set by the World Health Organization.

Nestle will reduce the amount of salt in hundreds of products, including ready meals, noodles, and recipe mixes, by at least 10 percent over the next three years, the Vevey, Switzerland-based company said on its website today. The decision will also affect Stouffer's frozen food and DiGiorno pizzas, Nestle said.

The World Health Organization has a target of no more than 5 grams of salt per person per day by 2025 in order to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Nestle has been working on lowering the salt content of its foods since 2005, and has cut levels in its Stouffer's Mac & Cheese meal in the U.S. by almost 15 percent during that period, the company said. Salt levels in Buitoni frozen pizzas in France are down by almost 20 percent.