A major study has found such laws would be 20 times more effective in improving health than offering dietary advice.
Heart attacks and strokes are by far the biggest killers in Britain, claiming 230,000 lives every year.
But experts say up to a fifth of these deaths could be prevented by eating less salt, which increases blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.
Guidelines recommend that people eat no more than 6 grams of salt a day, although average daily consumption in the UK is 9g.
Many foods, including ready meals, pizzas and sandwiches, contain well over half the recommended daily amount in a single portion. Researchers in Australia found that forcing companies to limit the amount of salt in their products would cut deaths from heart disease by 18 per cent.
Post published in: Analysis