World off track on goal to reduce sodium intake, WHO says

The world is likely to miss a global target for a 30% reduction in sodium consumption by 2025, the World Health Organisation says, blaming government inaction.

Only 3% of the world’s population is protected by mandatory policies to reduce sodium, while three-quarters of WHO member countries — including Britain — fail to fully implement such guidelines, the health body said in a report Thursday.

While sodium is an essential nutrient found in table salt, eating too much of it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and premature death. The WHO called on its 194 member states to enact policies to reduce sodium intake without delay, estimating that cost-effective policies could save 7 million lives globally by 2030. 

“We cannot fail this completely achievable and affordable public health goal,” said Francesco Branca, director of the WHO’s department of nutrition for health and development. 

Only nine countries currently have a comprehensive package of recommended policies. The global average per capita intake of salt is 10.8 grams a day — more than double the WHO recommendation of less than 5 grams. 

Ready meals and eating out can amplify health risks because consumers can’t control how much salt is used. In the UK, where around a quarter of calories are eaten outside the home, people consume an average of more than 7 grams of salt a day. Meals sold at chains popular with busy office workers are often high in salt. 

For example, the Itsu Classics sushi set delivers more than half of the WHO-recommended daily maximum, according to nutritional information on its website. Plant-based options can be even saltier: the Veggie sushi collection from the chain contains almost 6 grams of salt — more than the recommended daily amount. Sandwiches at chains like Greggs Plc often contain around 40% of the recommended amount. 

Spokespeople for Greggs Plc and Itsu didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. 

The government has required large chains to add calorie content to menus and food packaging, but guidelines for the food industry, including restaurants and cafes, to reduce salt, sugar and calories have so far been voluntary.

Supermarkets are also failing to make sufficient progress in the UK. An analysis published by Oxford University in October found that, overall, the average salt content of food products sold at supermarkets showed no change between 2015 and 2020.

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