Consensus Action on Salt, Sugar and Health (CASSH) is dedicated to reducing dietary salt, sugar and calorie consumption to improve the health of populations in the UK and worldwide. The charity is formed of three research and advocacy groups: Action on Salt, Action on Sugar and World Action on Salt, Sugar & Health (WASSH).
Action on Salt is successfully working to reach a consensus with the food industry and Government over the harmful effects of a high salt diet, and bring about a reduction in the amount of salt in processed foods as well as salt added to cooking, and the table. Salt is a main risk factor for raised blood pressure, which is the biggest cause of death and disability worldwide.
Action on Sugar is working to reach a consensus with the food industry and Government over the harmful effects of a high sugar diet, and bring about a reduction in the amount of sugars in food and drink products.
WASSH’s mission is to improve the health of populations throughout the world by achieving reductions in salt, sugar and calorie intake. WASSH provide’s resources and expert advice to enable the development and implementation of salt, sugar and calorie reduction programmes worldwide. WASSH is a global network of more than 600 expert members in 100 countries.
Average salt intakes in the UK exceed the maximum recommended limit, the majority of which is already added to the foods we buy. We work with key stakeholders, including the Government and major retailers and food manufacturers, to encourage gradual reductions in salt added to ready made and processed foods, which has been shown to result in reductions in population salt intakes, and improved public health. This is particularly beneficial to more deprived communities, who are more vulnerables to health outcomes associated with poor diet.
Similarly to salt, we have also been working with food companies to address the concerning levels of sugar, fat and calories in UK diets. By working to reach a consensus with food manufacturers and Government that there is strong evidence that free sugars are a major cause of obesity and have other adverse health effects, we aim to create sustainable policies and systems that enable reduced free sugars intake.
We actively monitor the food and drink industry's progress to reducing salt, sugar and calories in food and drink, and push for increased adherence to relevant government reformulation programmes. We also engage with key stakeholders and collaborate with other research organisations and NGO's to expand our reach and potential.
