According to a report, most countries have not yet adopted a mandatory sodium reduction policy, which puts their population at risk of heart attack, stroke and other health problems.
The WHO is sounding the alarm. The objective of reducing sodium intake by 30% set by Member States by 2025 is “far from being achieved”, warns the UN organization in a report this Thursday. It is therefore 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 condiments such as sodium glutamate also contain it.
5% of countries implement satisfactory policies
The WHO report assesses the implementation of sodium reduction policies by country using a “country sodium scorecard” ranging from 1 (the lowest level of implementation ) to 4 (the highest level).
Only nine countries, or 5% of Member States, score a 4 and therefore are considered to have a full set of recommended policies to reduce sodium intake: Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Chile, Spain, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, the Czech Republic and Uruguay. France gets a score of 3.
According to the WHO, such policies might save regarding 7 million lives worldwide by 2030 and reduce sodium consumption by more than 20%, which would bring us closer to the goal that was set for 2025. .
Reduction targets
The UN organization thus proposes four major measures to be implemented. She first calls for reformulating foods to be less salty and setting goals for the amount of sodium in foods and meals.
Countries are also invited to establish public policies for food supply in public institutions or workplaces, provide labeling on packaging and, finally, promote behavior change communication and media campaigns.
“Massive efforts are needed,” warns the report.
The WHO is also calling on food manufacturers to set ambitious sodium reduction targets in 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 one of the main culprits,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of WHO.
The average global salt intake 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 an increased risk of other health problems such as gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis and kidney disease.