The World is Off-Track to Reduce Sodium Intake by 2025 – What You Need to Know
Eating too much salt has been identified as the top risk factor for diet and nutrition-related deaths.[0] A recent World Health Organization (WHO) Global report on sodium intake reduction shows that the world is off-track to achieve its global target of reducing sodium intake by 30 per cent by 2025.[0] Only nine countries currently have a comprehensive package of recommended policies to reduce sodium intake, with only 5 per cent of the global population protected by these mandatory sodium reduction policies.[1]
Tom Frieden, President and CEO of the nonprofit Resolve to Save Lives, emphasized the need for countries to implement ambitious, mandatory, government-led sodium reduction policies to meet the global target of reducing salt intake.[2] WHO developed a Sodium Country Score Card for Member States based on the type and number of sodium reduction policies they have in place.[3]
High sodium intake has been linked to increased risk of health conditions such as gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis, and kidney disease.[0] In order to reduce sodium intake, WHO encourages countries to establish sodium content targets for processed foods, in line with the WHO Global Sodium Benchmarks, and to enforce them through policies.[0] This comprehensive approach also includes reformulating foods to contain less salt, setting targets for the amount of sodium in foods and meals, and providing front-of-package labelling that helps consumers select products lower in sodium.[4]
The American Heart Association recommends that adults consume no more than 2.5 grams of salt per day, while WHO recommends less than 5 grams per day.[5] Table salt (sodium chloride) is the primary source of sodium, yet it can also be found in other condiments like sodium glutamate. This is a natural component of some foods and is sometimes used as a flavor enhancer.[6]
The FDA has put into place voluntary targets for sodium reformulation and food manufacturers are encouraged to set ambitious sodium reduction targets in their products.[3] The world needs action, and now, to reduce sodium intake and prevent disabling or deadly heart attacks and strokes.[7]
0. “Countries must make ‘massive efforts' to reduce salt intake: WHO” Newsroom Odisha, 9 Mar. 2023, https://newsroomodisha.com/countries-must-make-massive-efforts-to-reduce-salt-intake-who-2
1. “The world is consuming way too much salt and outcome could be dire if we don't cut back: WHO report” KTVZ, 9 Mar. 2023, https://ktvz.com/news/2023/03/09/the-world-is-consuming-way-too-much-salt-and-outcome-could-be-dire-if-we-dont-cut-back-who-report/
2. “‘Massive efforts' required to reach salt reduction goal, says WHO” just-food.com, 10 Mar. 2023, https://www.just-food.com/news/massive-efforts-needed-to-hit-salt-goal-says-who/
3. “‘Massive efforts' are needed to reduce salt intake and protect lives, World Health Organization says – Local News 8” LocalNews8.com, 9 Mar. 2023, https://localnews8.com/health/2023/03/09/massive-efforts-are-needed-to-reduce-salt-intake-and-protect-lives-world-health-organization-says/
4. “‘Massive efforts' are needed to reduce salt intake and protect lives, World Health Organization says” KMBC Kansas City, 9 Mar. 2023, https://www.kmbc.com/article/massive-efforts-are-needed-to-reduce-salt-intake-world-health-organization-says/43256433
5. “‘WHO Global Report On Sodium Intake Reduction’: Countries Must Make ‘Massive Efforts’ to Reduce Salt Intake” AffairsCloud.com, 10 Mar. 2023, https://affairscloud.com/who-global-report-on-sodium-intake-reduction-countries-must-make-massive-efforts-to-reduce-salt-intake/
6. “World off-track to cut 30% sodium intake by 2025: WHO” News9 LIVE, 10 Mar. 2023, https://www.news9live.com/health/world-off-track-to-cut-30-sodium-intake-by-2025-who-au2070-2071954
7. “WHO: Massive efforts needed to reduce salt intake and protect lives | Loop Caribbean News” Loop News Caribbean, 9 Mar. 2023, https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/who-massive-efforts-needed-reduce-salt-intake-and-protect-lives
