An independent think-tank is calling on the government and industry to clarify food labels as Canadians continue to eat too much salt, sugar and bad fats.

The Conference Board of Canada issued a report Monday that cites data from a range of studies that show Canadians eat an average daily amount of 3,400 mg of salt -- more twice the adequate intake of 1,500 mg.

Some of that seems to be due to Canadian tastes - our processed food tends to contain more sodium than the same foods in the U.S., according to the report.

Nearly 80% of the sodium eaten in Canada is from commercially processed foods, the report estimates.

The 72-page document comes on the heels of a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in April that said Canada's fast-food restaurants serve some of the saltiest foods in the world.

Researcher Daniel Munro said it's "troubling" that Canadians -- including an increasing number of children -- eat too much salt, sugar, bad fats, and not enough fruits, vegetables and fibre.

The study recommends the government improve food labels to make nutritional content descriptions on labels and packaging more clear and educate people about sodium and trans-fat intake levels.

"We need to take action to improve dietary patterns -- especially among children -- in order to reduce the future health, economic, and social burden of chronic diseases," Munro said in a statement.

The report also suggests 7 in 10 Canadian men and half of women eat more calories than they burn off in a day. It also found that more than 60% of adult Canadians are obese, while 25% children are overweight or obese.

The report, Improving Health Outcomes: The Role of Food in Addressing Chronic Disease, published by the Centre for Food in Canada, outlines the potential risks of poor eating habits have with developing cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.