Chippies told to hold the salt in drive to beat heart disease Anna Soubry, the public health minister, called on more caterers and restaurants to cut the amount of salt they use. "Today our typical shopping basket contains much less salt than it did 10 years ago, but more needs to be done to help lower these levels even further," she said. We need more companies pledging to reduce salt levels, particularly in the catering and takeaway sector. The minister said 90 companies had "signed up to make salt reduction a priority" but added: "We want to see real action from many more." New targets will be set for food retailers to cut the amount of salt in their recipes later this year. Separate government plans are aimed at reducing the number of calories people eat to stem rising obesity levels and measures to cut alcohol intake.