2023-12-19 19:09:29
Today (19 December 2023) at Bangkok City Hall, 2 Dr. Kritsada Hanbanjerd, Director of the Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, Department of Disease Control, along with Dr. Sunthorn Sunthornchart, Director of the Health Department. Bangkok and Dr. Jos Vandelaer, WHO Representative to Thailand, jointly announced cooperation in reducing salt and sodium consumption in the Bangkok area.
Dr. Kritsada Hanbanjerd, Director of the Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, Department of Disease Control, said that from the data from the results of the 6th Thai People’s Health Survey by Physical Examination, 2019-2020, it was found that people in the Bangkok area The average sodium intake is 3,496 milligrams per day, or almost twice the World Health Organization recommendation. And from the results of the survey of sodium in food through the Thai Salt Survey system of the Department of Disease Control in 2023, it was found that the average amount of sodium in food in the Bangkok area It is at a very salty level or 390 milligrams per 100 milliliters of food. Consuming excess sodium continuously for a long time causes high blood pressure. and is a factor in dangerous complications such as cardiovascular and brain diseases. chronic kidney disease The World Health Organization has recommended that sodium intake not exceed 2,000 milligrams per person per day. Equivalent to 5 grams or 1 teaspoon of salt.
Dr. Kritsada further said that the Department of Disease Control has been assigned to be the main agency. Collaborate with network partners to create a strategy for reducing salt and sodium consumption in Thailand 2016 – 2025 as a guideline for achieving the goals. “People’s salt and sodium consumption should be reduced by 30 percent by 2025” consisting of 5 strategies. (SALTS) namely S (Stakeholder network) Develop and expand cooperation networks A (Awareness) Increase knowledge, awareness and enhance skills of the people. L (Legislationand environmental reform) Modify the environment to make changes and create low-sodium products. T (Technology and innovation) Develop knowledge research and lead to practiceS (Surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation) Development of a surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation system throughout the process
“To be successful in reducing salt and sodium consumption, it must be continued. By using the mechanism to drive every level. and coordination of network partners together And thank you very much Bangkok. who have given importance and participated in operations to monitor and reduce salt and sodium consumption in the Bangkok area It is hoped that the goal of reducing salt and sodium consumption will be achieved. Make people healthy by reducing salt and sodium consumption,” said Dr. Kritsada.
Dr. Sunthorn Sunthornchart, Director of the Health Department Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said that due to the situation of Thai people’s consumption of salt and sodium in excess of what is necessary, they are at risk of high blood pressure. Cardiovascular disease and kidney disease with the concern of the Governor of Bangkok There is a policy to drive the reduction of salt and sodium consumption together with various sectors in society. Therefore, we have collaborated with the Department of Disease Control and related agencies. Take action to monitor and reduce salt and sodium consumption, which is a way of life in Bangkok as a big city. There is mainly eating out. Cooked foods are a good source of sodium and do not have nutrition labels. In addition, there is cooperation with the Dietitians Association of Thailand. Organized training in adjusting recipes to reduce sodium for entrepreneurs in the premium market in the Bangkok area.
The main goal is to create awareness. To all stakeholders including producers, entrepreneurs, and consumers about reducing salt and sodium consumption. By raising the level of safe restaurants in Bangkok (Safety Food) to health restaurants (Healthy Food) has been piloted in 8 premium markets, including World Market. Seni Food Market, Sam Yan Market, Seri Market Food Villa Market Ying Charoen Market Minburi Shopping Center Market and Thanommit Market Along with presenting certificates of thanks to all 8 premium markets for participating in the campaign to reduce salt and sodium consumption. This creates many food menus that are more healthy options for the people. The next step in 2024 is to expand operations to school cafeterias. government office Including markets in the Bangkok area that are ready. So that people all over the country are healthy forever.
Dr. Jos Vandelaer, WHO Representative to Thailand, said that most sodium is found in salt. When salt is added to food, it makes it more flavorful, not bland. We need sodium (salt) in our bodies, but if we get too much of it, our blood pressure increases. It can damage your organs, whether it’s the brain, heart, or kidneys. That’s the cause of cardiovascular disease. Deteriorated heart function abnormal kidney function Therefore, if sodium is in small amounts, it will be beneficial to the body.
World Health Organization Thailand I am very pleased to see the cooperation between Bangkok and the Ministry of Public Health. In a campaign to reduce sodium consumption among Bangkok residents As the capital and most populous city of Thailand This project will make a significant impact in driving the sodium consumption of the population. WHO would like to emphasize two points of this project: 1) Low Sodium Premium Market Project Bangkok and the Ministry of Public Health has collaborated with food manufacturers in the area to modify food recipes and educate consumers on reducing sodium. namely, reducing the amount of sodium from the food production process and 2) having surveillance to check the amount of sodium in food in the market will be useful for measuring performance and educating the public. Will measure the results that every Communication and awareness will lead to a reduction in sodium in foods sold in Bangkok markets. Is it effective or not? Solving the problem of excessive sodium consumption is everyone’s responsibility. But the government sector can help by stimulating behavior in the right direction, which will lead to good health for Thai people.
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Information from: Division of Noncommunicable Diseases/Risk Communication Office, Department of Disease Control
December 19, 2023
1703014388
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