Pizza lovers in Australia will soon have a healthy alternative with Pizza Hut's latest less salt line of pizza products. Customers will enjoy 45 percent less sodium starting next year.

Pizza Hut began sampling methods in its kitchens with a small group of consumers. A second and larger scale of trials is scheduled in 10 undisclosed New South Wales stores beginning in November. A nationwide taste test and sampling will be conducted in Pizza Hut's 280 outlets early in 2011.

The biggest cut in salt will be in the meat-laden menu items because some carry up to 13 grams of salt. The amount is more than twice the total recommended daily intake of 6 grams for an adult.

Reducing salt intake will prevent strokes and heart attacks. George Institute for International Health senior director Professor Bruce Neal said, “Salt is emerging as an issue as big as fat and sugar.” He added that Australians need to reduce their daily sodium intake from 9 grams to 6 grams.

Discussions in yesterday's Fast Food Forum focused on the need for consumers to be aware of healthy options from menus. The State Government wants fast food chain giants such as Yum Restaurants, the company behind Pizza Hut, and McDonald's to disclose the nutritional data at point of sale.