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Background: During 2007-2010, the Beijing Government distributed salt-measuring spoons to residents, attempting to reduce salt consumption.However, whether this program has been effective is unknown.Methods: During January, 2011, we conducted a telephone survey on the use of the salt-measuring spoons among Beijing residents aged ≥18 years who were the main family food preparers, and on their knowledge and attitudes regarding salt-intake.Correct use of salt-measuring spoon was defined as using the spoons according to the specifications included in the distribution package.Results: In total, 199 persons, representing 199 families, responded to the survey (response rate: 69%).62% possessed a salt-measuring spoon, 48% used it, and 17% used it correctly.69% knew that high salt-intake was related to hypertension, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases; 49% considered health as a high priority in food preparation.Respondents considering health as a high priority in food preparation were more likely to use the spoon (RR=3.2, 95% CI: 1.4-7.8); so were those who knew that high salt-intake is associated with chronic diseases (RR=2.6, 95% CI: 0.88-7.9).Among residents who possessed but did not always use the spoon, 70% thought the handle was too small for convenient use; 30% did not know how to use it.Conclusion: The salt-spoon program successfully reached nearly 2/3 of urban Beijing families, with nearly half of the Beijing resident families using the spoons.Use of the salt-spoons was associated with health consciousness.Distribution efforts should be complemented by health education materials on the health benefits of salt-reduction and improvement of the design to achieve maximum effectiveness.