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Thu 08 Aug 2003Salt tax called for to reduce intake in foodThe Government should introduce a "salt tax" to help reduce salt intake in snack and processed foods, according to a public-health specialist. Lower salt consumption could help reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart attack and stroke.Some cream crackers and corn flakes are saltier than sea water, according to Prof Ivan Perry, of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College Cork. He believes a tax on overly salty processed foods would force manufacturers to lower unnecessary salt, and so contribute to public health.