Pressure mounting to reduce salt intake in populations worldwide: from evidence to action

INTRODUCTION

The evidence is now overwhelming that high salt intake is responsible for a substantial proportion of cardiovascular fatal and non fatal events attributable to high blood pressure. The evidence also indicates that reducing the levels of salt intake does reduce blood pressure levels and ensuing cardiovascular events.Since most of the salt we eat is added to food at the stage of manufacturing, it is imperative that for a reduction in salt intake to occur at a population level the food manufacturing industry, the big food distributors, the catering business and local food providers be involved in a concerted action to reducing the salt content of foods across the board.

Despite some resistance (past and present), the majority of industry has accepted that it is time to collaborate with the health sector in setting lower targets for salt content of food and start the process of reformulation to help people achieve healthier targets for salt intake. Taking the opportunity ....... read full article

 

Published on: 5/8/2009

 

Go Back...