It has been suggested that more information about potassium intake should be put on the printed labels of foods in order to help consumers.

A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine this week found that while cutting sodium is good for health, consuming more potassium at the same time may half a person's risk of suffering a heart attack.

"Public health recommendations should emphasise simultaneous reduction in sodium intake and increase in potassium intake," the authors commented.

Chuck Bell, programmes director of Consumers Union, told Consumer Reports that consumers need "accurate, current information" about the nutritional content of food in order to make "wise" decisions about what they eat.

Earlier this month, the European Parliament approved new legislation that will see the printed labels on foods altered to carry extra information including fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, sugar, protein and salt levels.

Other meats as well as beef will also have their country of origin clearly defined for the first time.

Denny Bros Ltd, 15 July 2011