The report, "Sodium content of Australian bread products 2007-2010," examined changes in the sodium levels in Australian bread products using four years of data from a branded food composition database established and updated by the Australian Division of World Action on Salt and Health (AWASH). Mean sodium levels in bread products were compared over time and between major manufacturers.

In addition to finding less than half of the bread products have acceptable salt levels, the report noted overall average sodium levels in Australian bread products barely have changed between 2007 (434 mg/100 g) and 2010 (436 mg/100 g). Additionally, some manufacturers, including George Weston Foods and Woolworths, are making significant improvements, but others, such as Goodman Fielder and Bakers Delight, are not, the researchers noted.

In the case of George Weston Foods, the proportion of bread meeting the 400 mg/100 g target was 96% in 2010, up sharply from 19% in 2007. Meanwhile, the proportion of bread meeting the target fell to 21% in 2010 for Goodman Fielder, down from 44% in 2007.

"These data provide no evidence of a coordinated effort to reduce salt levels across the bread manufacturing industry," the researchers said. "The efforts of one company are being offset by the inaction of another. These findings do not inspire confidence in the current approach to salt reduction in bread, which relies upon voluntary action by industry. It is particularly concerning that despite the Food and Health Dialogue making salt reduction a priority and bread a first target, there appears to be little progress. If the voluntary approach advocated by industry and supported by government cannot deliver salt reduction, than regulation will be required."

For the full report, visit www.georgeinstitute.org.au.