World is off track on sodium intake reduction goal: WHO

World is off track on sodium intake reduction goal: WHO

Subject: Science and Technology

Section: Health

Context: According to World Health Organization report on sodium intake Food companies and governments need to set more ambitious targets to reduce the consumption of salt.

Concept:

• Sodium is an essential nutrient, but increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and premature death when eaten in excess. The main source of sodium is table salt (sodium chloride), but it is also contained in other condiments such as sodium glutamate.
• The report shows that only 5 percent of the WHO member states are protected by mandatory and comprehensive sodium reduction policies and 73 percent of WHO member states lack a full range of implementation of such policies.
• The global average salt intake is estimated to be 10.8 grams per day, more than double the WHO recommendation of less than five grams of salt per day (one teaspoon). More evidence is emerging documenting links between high sodium intake and increased risk of other health conditions such as gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis and kidney disease, the WHO said.
• WHO’s recommendations include reformulating foods to contain less salt, setting targets for the amount of sodium in foods and meals; establishing public food procurement policies to limit salt or sodium-rich foods in public institutions such as hospitals, schools, workplaces and nursing homes; front-of-package labelling that helps consumers select products lower in sodium and behaviour change communication and mass media campaigns to reduce salt/sodium consumption.