The Nigerian Federal Government on Thursday launched the National Guideline for Sodium Chloride reduction in country in Abuja.
The event was put together by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and her partners.
The document marks a crucial step towards implementing mandatory Sodium targets for processed and packaged foods in the country.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that an adult individual should not consume more than 5 grams of salt per day. That’s equivalent to a teaspoon a day.
According to the WHO, limiting one’s intake of salt, reduces the risk of Cardiovascular problems, which have been identified as the leading cause of deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally.
For instance, the World Health Organisation records show that NCDs are responsible for over 70% of deaths, leading the global health body to set 5 grams as the maximum level of salt that should be consumed in a day to stay healthy.
In Nigeria, the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a pressing public health challenge and the government says it is determined to safeguard the well-being of the citizens.
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In a bid to address this challenge and ensure healthier diets for Nigerians, the Federal government has formulated a National guideline for the reduction of salt intake in the country.
Like every policy, the success of the National Guideline on Sodium Reduction will depend largely on the commitment of all stakeholders – the government, food manufacturers and the consumer.
AIT online Correspondent reports that the Nigerian government has pledged to work closely with food manufacturers to ensure smooth implementation and compliance.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
