FAQ

What is EuSalt's mission?

EuSalt exists to provide authoritative information about salt and its many uses to the public at large as well as other interested parties. Today, governmental authorities and consumers are continuously misled by contradictory information relating to salt and health. By regularly communicating scientific findings to the public, EuSalt wants to clear up these misunderstandings. EuSalt places a lot of importance on health, safety, environmental & quality-related issues. Further functions of this non-profit organisation are to promote the responsible use of salt and to represent the salt industry at the level of the European and international institutions.

How long has EuSalt been operating and what have been its major achievements so far?

EuSalt was founded as the European Committee for the Study of Salt (ECCS) in Paris in 1957, and was later renamed the European Salt Producers' Association. After the move to Brussels in January 2004, it became EuSalt. Today, EuSalt represents 21 salt producers throughout the European Community and its associate members.

Through workshops, press releases, press conferences, etc, EuSalt has managed to raise awareness amongst the general public, hereby using sound science and its conclusions, on the fact that salt is not - as often assumed - a dangerous ingredient for a healthy human being; on the contrary life depends on salt. EuSalt's key message has therefore been:

"Healthy human beings do not need to restrict their salt intake. Reducing your salt intake may even be dangerous for some categories of people, such as pregnant women and elderly people."

What are the main issues and topics that EuSalt is currently working on?

•  Salt and Blood Pressure

A lot of incorrect information about the relationship between salt and blood pressure exists. To date, it has not been scientifically proven that salt causes high blood pressure to healthy people.

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•  Salt and the Elderly

A too low sodium level, also named hyponatremia, can be very dangerous to the elderly. It is therefore very important that they maintain a sufficient level of fluid intake rather than restrict their salt intake.

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•  Salt and Food

Originally, salt was used for the preservation of food. Today, it is an essential part in the processing technology of different foods. Salt lowers the amount of 'free' water molecules in food; since micro organisms need this 'free' water in order to survive, they cannot grow well in foods containing salt. Salt gives food also a unique taste.

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•  Salt and Water

Salt and water keep each other in balance. The human body's finely tuned system means we are able to easily manage 'too much' as well as 'too little' salt, and hence maintain the salt/water ratio in perfect balance.

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•  Salt and Pregnancy

Restricting salt during pregnancy can cause problems for both the mother and the unborn child. Additional salt intake may help women suffering from pre-eclampsia.

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•  Iodized salt

Iodine is essential to control the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Iodine deficiency (IDD) can be very dangerous, i.e. it may cause brain damage in the unborn child.

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How many members and countries does EuSalt currently cover?

Currently, EuSalt represents 21 members from across the European Community and associate members. These members are spread over 12 European countries: Austria, Armenia, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Romania and the United Kingdom.

Can all organisations active in the salt business/industry become a member of EuSalt?

No. Only European producers with a yearly production of more than 50 000 tonnes per year can become members of EuSalt.