Massive Efforts Are Required To Decrease Salt Consumption And Safeguard Lives

The world is not on track to meet its global goal of reducing sodium intake by 30% by 2025, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) study on the subject.

An essential nutrient called sodium, when consumed in excess raises the chance of heart disease, stroke, and early death. Table salt (sodium chloride) is the primary source of sodium, but it can also be found in other seasonings like sodium glutamate. According to the report, only 5% of WHO Member States have complete sodium reduction policies that are legally required, and 73% of WHO Member States do not fully implement these policies.

An estimated 7 million lives could be saved worldwide by the implementation of extremely cost-effective sodium reduction policies by 2030. To reduce deaths from noncommunicable illnesses, one of the Sustainable Development Goals, it is crucial to take action. However, only nine nations (Brazil, Chile, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Uruguay) currently have a complete set of advised policies to lower sodium consumption.

Adopting mandatory regulations and the four sodium-related WHO best buy interventions, which make a significant contribution to the prevention of non-communicable diseases, are part of a comprehensive strategy for sodium reduction. These consist of:

• setting goals for the sodium content of meals and reformulating foods to contain less salt.
• establishing public food procurement regulations to restrict the consumption of salty or high-sodium foods in public buildings like classrooms, hospitals, workplaces, and nursing homes.
• labeling on the front of the package that directs customers toward goods with less sodium.
• campaigns in the media and behavior change communication to cut back on salt and sodium intake.

Using these policies, countries are urged to set sodium content goals for processed foods in accordance with the WHO Global Sodium Benchmarks.

Mandatory sodium reduction policies are more effective because they achieve wider coverage, protect against commercial interests, and give food makers a fair playing field. Based on the kinds and numbers of sodium reduction policies each Member State has in place, WHO created a Sodium country scorecard for them as part of the report.

The WHO recommends less than 5 grams of salt per day, but the average salt intake worldwide is considered to be 10.8 grams per day. (one teaspoon). The main danger factor for diet and nutrition-related deaths is eating too much salt. More information about the connections between high sodium consumption and an increased risk of other illnesses, including obesity, osteoporosis, kidney disease, and gastric cancer, is coming to light.

WHO requests that Member States swiftly put sodium intake reduction plans into place and lessen the negative impacts of excessive salt intake. The WHO also urges food producers to set challenging goals for reducing salt in their goods.

News Mania Desk