Non-communicable Diseases: Stakeholders Task FG On Development, Enforcement Of Salt Targets

To address the rising health concerns linked to high salt intake the Corporate Accountability for Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) in collaboration with Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED) and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) has tasked the federal government on development and enforcement of regulations for salt targets in processed foods.

The executive director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, called on the Federal Ministry of health and Social Welfare (FMHSW) and National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to take proactive steps to formulate healthy food policies and enforce them within the country.

Akinbode, who spoke on Tuesday at a press briefing on salt targets in Nigeria, held in Abuja, said it is also imperative for competent agencies responsible for legislation and implementation of food safety standards in Nigeria to develop effective strategies for the regulation of large food industries, SMEs, and street food vendors, to set mandatory salt limits for all food products in compliance with global best practices.

This, he said will not only aid the enforcement of existing regulations like the #Transfat FreeNigeria regulation, but it will also provide room for advancing complimentary regulations that will take away foods that are injurious to our health.

Akinbode expressed concern that many Nigerians will go back home with large quantities of these products innocently in this yuletide, while Calling on the government has done the needful.

“It is therefore imperative that we call on the government, especially the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and NAFDAC to prioritise policy on mandatory salt targets in Nigeria. Achieving this will ensure that more Nigerians eat healthy and nutritious food while boosting our nation’s health for shared prosperity,” he stressed.

On his part. the project lead of NHED, Dr. Mafeni Jerome, said this can be achieved through development and implementation of policies and regulations that mandate the reduction of salt content in commercially produced foods.

Dr. Jerome listed other ways through which enforcement of salt targets can be achieved as “Collaboration with relevant government agencies to establish clear guidelines and targets for salt reduction in different food categories.

“Mandating clear and accurate labelling of salt content on food packaging

“Monitoring compliance and enforcing penalties for non-compliance to ensure the effectiveness of these regulations.”

He urged the federal government to encouraging food manufacturers and producers to voluntarily reduce the sult content in their products while also advising on engaging industry leaders through public-private partnerships to promote responsible salt reduction practices.