Food manufacturers and retailers could attract health-conscious consumers if they invest in printed adhesive labels.

According to the British Heart Foundation, many companies are adding printed labels coloured like traffic lights to display nutritional information about their products.

Tracy Parker, a dietician at the group, has therefore suggested that shoppers look out for these whenever they go to the supermarket. "They provide at-a-glance information on salt content," she commented.

Ms Parker was speaking after Consensus Action on Salt and Health encouraged men to consider their diets more carefully, as meals such as pie and mash are extremely salty.

"This is bad news for our hearts because too much salt can raise our blood pressure," she noted.

Ms Parker added that this could make people more vulnerable to heart disease.

According to NHS figures, about 94,000 people die as a result of coronary heart disease in Britain every year, while a further 2.6 million live with the condition.

Denny Bros Ltd, 17 March 2011