The WHO sounds the alarm. The goal of reducing sodium intake by 30% set by member states by 2025 is “far from being achieved,” the UN organization warns in a report on Thursday. Therefore, it is planned to extend it until 2030.
“Sodium, an essential nutrient, increases the risk of heart disease, including stroke, and premature death when consumed in excess,” says the WHO.
The main source of sodium is table salt, also called sodium chloride, but other seasonings such as sodium glutamate also contain it.
5% of countries implement satisfactory policies
The WHO report assesses implementation of sodium reduction policies by country using a “country sodium scorecard” ranging from 1 (lowest level of implementation) to 4 (highest level).
Only nine countries, or 5% of Member States, score 4 and are therefore considered to have a full set of recommended policies to reduce sodium intake: Brazil, Chile, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, the Czech Republic and Uruguay. France gets a score of 3.
According to the WHO, these types of policies could save around 7 million lives worldwide by 2030 and reduce sodium consumption by more than 20%, which would bring us closer to the goal set for 2025. .
reduction targets
The UN organization thus proposes four major measures to be implemented. He first asks to reformulate foods to be less salty and to set goals for the amount of sodium in foods and meals.
Countries are also invited to establish public policies for the provision of food in public institutions or workplaces, provide labeling on packaging and, finally, promote communication campaigns and media for behavior change.
“Massive efforts are needed,” the report warns.
The WHO also calls on food manufacturers to set ambitious sodium reduction targets for their products.
Less than 5 grams per day
“An unhealthy diet is one of the leading causes of death and disease worldwide, and excessive sodium intake is one of the main culprits,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
The average global intake of salt is estimated at 10.8 grams per day, more than double the WHO recommendation of less than 5 grams of salt per day (one teaspoon).
Excessive consumption is the main risk factor for death related to food and nutrition. As the WHO reports, there is growing evidence of links between high sodium intake and increased risk of other health problems such as gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis, and kidney disease.
Source: BFM TV
