British and Canadian children may be taking in far more sodium than is healthy for their age and more often than not, the culprit is pre-packaged or fast foods.

Health experts from the Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH) in the U.K. have found that packaged desserts and foods such as baked beans and sausages may contain sodium levels that are dangerous to the health of children. The researchers say some of the food culprits are unexpected such as Rice Krispies, cakes and muffins.

Children between one and three years old should have a maximum intake of 1000 mg per day, 1200 mg per day for four to eight year olds and 1500 mg per day for ages nine and over. Graham MacGregor, the chairman of CASH believes monitoring a child's intake of salt is essential, especially given the negative health patterns too much sodium can create.

"Keeping children's salt consumption below the recommended maximum limits is vital. Research shows that children who eat higher salt diets have higher blood pressure than children who eat less salt. It is also well established that blood pressure tracks into adulthood, with the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Too much salt is also linked with stomach cancer, osteoporosis and can aggravate the symptoms of asthma."

Meanwhile, the Canadian Stroke Network, the Canadian Obesity Network and the Advanced Foods and Materials Network just announced the winners of their first ever "Salt Lick Awards," which "honors" the restaurants that produce children's fast food meals with the highest amounts of sodium. Burger chain A&W placed first with their Chubby Junior Kids meal which packs 1,910 mg of sodium into two pieces of Chubby chicken and kid-sized fries. Honorable mentions also went to:

- the Junior cheeseburger deluxe and fries from Wendy's (960 mg)

- the Bacon double cheeseburger quesadilla and fries at Boston Pizza (1,720 mg)

- Burger King's Original Whopper junior sandwich with cheese and a kids order of fries (940 mg)

- Junior chicken sandwich and small fries from McDonald's (940 mg)

I think most parents check the amount of sugar contained in a product on the nutrition label, but salt is something that many may not even consider even though packaged and fast foods are known to often contain exorbitant amounts of sodium. This is just another things parents need to watch for and consider when trying to figure out the best food options for their kids.

» Telegraph