FDBusiness.com

Consensus Action on Salt & Health (CASH), a healthier diet pressure group, in collaboration The George Institute of Global Health (TGI) and other leading UK nutrition experts have launched a free and simple to use app for Smartphone called FoodSwitch to help you find out what’s in the food you’re eating.

Many foods can be high in salt, fat, saturated fats (saturates) and sugars but many people struggle to understand nutrition labels on food packaging. FoodSwitch is an award-winning Smartphone app that helps you make healthier food choices.

A recent survey carried out by CASH using the app showed that few foods from a ‘basket’ containing things like baked beans, biscuits, cereals, cheeses and prepared meals yet meet the national salt reduction targets due to come into force later this year in the UK. The study also showed wide differences in similar products from different brands. A granola bar from one company had 97% difference in the amount of salt compared to another brand.

The app allows consumers to scan the barcode of food and drink products and instantly see whether they are high (red), medium (amber) or low (green) in fat, saturates, sugars and salt. It also searches the database for similar but healthier alternative products, making it easier to switch to healthier food choices.

It also includes five different filters to choose from, so whether you are looking to lower your blood pressure, reduce your saturated fat (saturates) and sugar intake, or cut back on your calories, FoodSwitch UK can help.

FoodSwitch is available as a free, UK-only, download from iTunes and Google Play. It is also available in several other markets, such as Australia and New Zealand and is likely to be rolled out in several others in due course.