if salt is bad, then why in excess in packaged foods?

Question

I am wondering if too much salt is bad for health, everyone know that, then why is it still used in excess in frozen and fast-foods? Surely, the companies selling the food know this, they would use less salt if they could. The question is, why can't they or why don't they?

Answer 1

well, its a great preservative for one, and for two it makes food taste good, and thats all that matter to thems...that you like it and you buy it. You are on your own when it comes to what you put in your mouth

Answer 2

Because not enough people care. Salt makes food taste better so if they reduce the amount of salt the food won't taste as good. Salt also helps preserve frozen foods, that is why there is so much. If enough people cared about their health we wouldn't have such an obesity problem in America.

Answer 3

Although food manufacturers know that it is bad, I'm sure that none of them wants to be the first to reduce it, and adversly affect the flavor of their product. As long as consumers (by and large) value flavor over health, the market share for foods with significantly less salt won't be large enough to tempt manufacturers to change their recipes.

Answer 4

It is still used as a taste factor and preservative although some are now producing low salt food.

Answer 5

2 reasons - salt brings out flavor in foods and helps preserve.

Answer 6

Because it improves the flavour. They can get away with using the cheapest cuts of meat. If they used better meat and less salt the price would have to go up. You pays your money and takes your choice!