Out of date and unenlightened. That's the British Retail Consortium's verdict on a report published by the National Consumer Council, which claims that supermarkets are risking the health of shoppers who buy into their economy food ranges.

The report, based on store visits carried out in July, rates the UK's supermarkets on their efforts to help consumers eat more healthily, and states that the majority of economy lines contain significantly higher levels of salt, fat and sugar than standard own label lines.

It also says the supermarkets that attract a higher proportion of low income shoppers offer far fewer promotions on healthy food, undermining efforts to reduce health inequalities.

"This report is out of date. It is based on store visits that took place six months ago," said Kevin Hawkins, director general of the BRC.

"Retailers will be disappointed it fails to give credit for a string of significant moves already made and many more on the way. They are reducing fat, salt and sugar content. And, from websites and leaflets to front-of-pack labelling and school visits, stores are doing more than ever to provide food information.

"When it comes to healthy eating, the NCC appears to believe UK retailers are part of the problem. Actually, they are part of the solution, and have the best record in the EU on actively promoting healthier diets."