The Salt Reduction Network has partnered with the Salt Reduction Alliance Network, which includes the Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), the Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Mahidol University, and the Bangkok Health Office, to promote the Salt Meter. This device, developed over more than five years under the CHEM METER brand, is designed to measure saltiness in food accurately. It represents a Thai innovation that helps the population reduce salt intake, thereby lowering the risk of high blood pressure and kidney disease.
Dr. Kritsada Hanbanjerd, Director of the Division of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, stated that the sodium content survey in food is part of Thailand’s strategy to reduce salt and sodium consumption for 2016-2025. This initiative aims to monitor, evaluate, and assess the implementation of sodium reduction efforts nationwide through various activities, including a survey of sodium content in foods and initiatives to lower sodium intake at the provincial level, along with raising awareness in target groups.
The Division of Non-Communicable Diseases began surveying sodium levels in food in 2020, starting with Phayao Province. The plan involves surveying sodium levels across all 77 provinces, with 76 provinces already covered and full national coverage expected by 2025. The primary target groups for these monitoring and reduction efforts include public health offices across the provinces and in Bangkok, which will collaborate with healthcare providers and community organizations. Regional disease prevention and control officers will coordinate and evaluate these activities, which include collecting food samples to measure sodium content using the Salt Meter, categorized by food production methods, sources, and types. The goal is to analyze an average of at least 3,000 samples per province, ensuring comprehensive coverage while utilizing support from the Department of Disease Control’s Salt Meter. Data collected will form a database of sodium content in food in Thailand, facilitated by the ThaAI Salt Survey application from the Division of Non-Communicable Diseases. The emphasis on measuring sodium content serves as a tool to encourage public awareness regarding the importance of limiting salt and sodium intake, benefiting restaurant owners and food preparers who can adjust recipes accordingly for better nutrition and public health.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surasak Kantachuvessiri, President of the Salt Reduction Network, revealed that a survey revealed the average sodium intake of the Thai population is 3,636 milligrams daily, exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 2,000 milligrams. This excessive sodium consumption is a significant contributor to hypertension, kidney failure, coronary artery disease, and stroke—chronic conditions that are on the rise, complicating daily life and becoming the leading cause of death among Thais aged 30 and above.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surasak added that this press conference was initiated due to a research group from the Biomedical Engineering Research Division at Mahidol University recognizing the need to reduce salt intake to mitigate various health risks for Thai people. One essential approach to achieving this is by adjusting dietary habits to limit salt and changing food choices. The food saltiness detector is a tool that enables consumers to monitor sodium levels in their meals, helping them manage daily salt intake. The CHEM METER saltiness detector is specifically designed to measure the saltiness of Thai foods, which often contain high salt and fat, differentiating it from foreign salinity detectors.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yotchanan Wongswat, Vice President for Research at Mahidol University, noted that the development of the sodium food detector has progressed through over four prototypes. The initial prototype underwent laboratory testing to evaluate the theory and measurement of salinity. The device operates on the principle of measuring the electrical conductivity of sodium chloride and includes enhancements to the circuit board to improve measurement accuracy. Upgrades to the probe quality further increased measurement precision, and the device was designed for practical everyday use and industrial production to meet the needs of those wishing to know sodium levels in their food.
Currently, Mahidol University has developed a food sodium measurement device (Salt Meter) consisting of two components. The first is the research and development phase for laboratory-grade sodium measurement devices, while the second comprises industrial-level production aimed for commercial distribution. The research and development phase for the food sodium meter went through four distinct prototype stages:
- Phase 1 involved testing sodium measurement based on electrical conductivity principles to assess feasibility in food.
- Phase 2 focused on developing a prototype for the food sodium measurement device.
- Phase 3 concentrated on enhancing the probes and prototypes for practical application.
- Phase 4 involved refining the prototype for industrial standards.
In the production phase, two models have been developed and are currently distributed. The first model, CM-01, is being produced and has been tested and used by over 300 government and private agencies for campaigns aiming to reduce salt consumption and measure sodium levels to modify consumption behavior. During the prototype testing period, it was assessed in various locations, including hospitals such as Lampang Hospital and Ramathibodi Hospital, to validate the salinity meter’s efficacy and user experience. Users expressed satisfaction with the device, praising its ease of use, straightforward processing steps, and intuitive emoji display during the Commercial Product (CM-01) phase.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yotchanan stated that additionally, hypertension clinics have utilized sodium measurement devices to promote reduced salt consumption behaviors within communities, facilitated by village health volunteers, health-promoting hospitals, and other organizations campaigning for reduced sodium intake throughout Thailand. The device is user-friendly, allowing even elderly individuals to engage easily. The emoji display conveys whether food is excessively salty, helping to decrease sodium consumption. Currently, the CM-01 model has fully functional capabilities; however, it still requires users to manually record sodium or convert measured values to ascertain daily intake. Consequently, the research team is advancing the CM-02 salt meter, which will measure sodium in food and automatically calculate the values within the application to track daily sodium consumption more conveniently.
The CM-02 and its accompanying application are currently under development, with plans for field testing in October and a distribution launch expected early next year (2025). The research team anticipates the CM-02 will broaden its user demographic beyond primarily governmental entities to include community members, particularly consumers with high blood pressure or kidney disease who need to monitor their daily sodium intake effectively. The device will be designed for usability, assisting individuals in managing and reducing salt intake for better long-term health.
The food sodium meter (Salt Meter) is distributed through BCI Technology Co., Ltd., and has gained acceptance among more than 100 organizations across Thailand. The company is also working on a new CHEM METER brand food sodium meter that will feature Bluetooth capabilities to transmit data for sodium content calculations and results display via an application, enhancing accessibility for everyday users to track their sodium consumption.
The Salt Reduction Network has collaborated with the Salt Reduction Alliance Network, consisting of the Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), the Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Mahidol University, and the Bangkok Health Office, to promote the Salt Meter. This device, researched and developed for over 5 years under the CHEM METER brand, helps measure saltiness in food, facilitating reduced salt consumption and lowering the risks of high blood pressure and kidney disease among Thais.
The Importance of Sodium Reduction in Thailand
Dr. Kritsada Hanbanjerd, Director of the Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, emphasizes that the sodium content in food is a critical factor in reducing salt intake across Thailand. This initiative is part of the national strategy (2016-2025) focused on monitoring, evaluating, and implementing effective sodium reduction measures.
Nationwide Sodium Content Surveys
The survey, initiated in 2020 and initially focused on Phayao Province, is now set to cover all 77 provinces. To date, 76 provinces have completed sodium content assessments, with an expected nationwide completion by 2025. The initiative’s results will help track sodium intake among the population and provide valuable insights for health professionals.
Measuring Sodium Content
By collecting and analyzing food samples, health officials are leveraging the Salt Meter to record sodium levels across various food types. This comprehensive dataset will be crucial for public health strategies aimed at educating people about sodium consumption.
Current Sodium Intake Levels in Thailand
Research by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surasak Kantachuvessiri indicates that the average Thai individual consumes approximately 3,636 milligrams of sodium daily, exceeding the World Health Organization’s advised limit of 2,000 milligrams. Consistently higher sodium intake contributes to significant health issues, including high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, and strokes.
Health Risks of High Sodium Consumption
- High Blood Pressure: Excess sodium intake leads to increased blood volume, putting strain on blood vessels.
- Kidney Disease: Kidneys struggle to manage increased sodium levels, eventually leading to kidney dysfunction.
- Heart Disease: High sodium is linked to increased risks of heart disease and strokes, prevalent in adults aged 30 and above.
The Role of the Salt Meter
The Salt Meter is a game-changing tool designed to denote sodium levels in food, empowering users to regulate their salt intake. Developed by Mahidol University’s Biomedical Engineering Research Division, it offers easy usage by the general public, including the elderly, to promote healthier eating habits.
Development and Functionality of the Salt Meter
The Salt Meter has undergone a rigorous development process consisting of four prototype phases:
- Phase 1: Conducting feasibility tests for measuring sodium in food using electrical conductivity.
- Phase 2: Developing the initial food sodium measurement prototype.
- Phase 3: Refining probes and prototypes for better application.
- Phase 4: Preparing for industrial production.
Industry Applications and User Feedback
The first commercial model, CM-01, has been distributed to over 300 organizations, aiding campaigns focused on sodium reduction and consumer education. Testing in various health departments has yielded positive reviews, highlighting the user-friendly nature and efficient data display features of the device.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
Health clinics and local health volunteers actively utilize the Salt Meter in public health outreach, enhancing community awareness of sodium consumption. The emoji display aid allows users to swiftly assess the salt levels in their food.
Future Developments and Innovations
The research team is now developing the CM-02 model, which integrates an application for real-time sodium tracking and meal planning. This new version aims to improve accessibility for general consumers, especially those managing specific health conditions requiring sodium monitoring.
Key Features of CM-02
- Bluetooth Capability: The new meter will wirelessly connect to an app for automatic sodium value tracking.
- Daily Sodium Intake Tracking: Users will be able to log their meals and sodium intake directly.
- User-Friendly Design: The enhanced interface will cater to consumers looking for straightforward health management solutions.
Benefits of Using the Salt Meter
- Health Monitoring: Regularly using the Salt Meter facilitates better health management strategies for chronic diseases.
- Public Awareness: Empowering consumers with knowledge about sodium content leads to healthier food choices.
- Community Health Promotion: Strengthening local health initiatives with concrete data aids targeted outreach efforts.
Practical Tips for Reducing Sodium Intake
Alongside using the Salt Meter, consider these practical tips for reducing sodium consumption:
- Opt for fresh ingredients over processed foods.
- Experiment with herbs and spices to flavor meals instead of salt.
- Read food labels to choose low-sodium options.
- Limit use of salty condiments like soy sauce and ketchup.