As part of efforts to address the rising health concerns linked to high salt intake, a public health and development non-profit organisation, NHED has called for the implementation of policies and new regulations that would standardise salt content in commercially-produced foods in the country.
The organisation made the call at a media round table on “Campaign to Reduce Salt Content in Commercially-produced Foods in Nigeria”, held in Abuja.
The country director of NHED, Dr. Emmanual Sokpo, said the campaign aims to ensure that there is a policy on food quality and safety in the country.
This, he said, would guide the public and ensure healthy eating and consumption of the right quantity of salt.
He called on the relevant government agencies, especially the Federal Ministry of Health and NAFDAC, to come out with new regulations that standardise salt content in commercially produced foods .
Sokpo said these regulations are necessary as they will ensure that the right quantity of salt is consumed, thereby reducing the risk of excessive salt related conditions like cardiovascular conditions.
The expert said the campaign is aimed at creating awareness among the general public, saying “All of us eat food and most of the foods contain salt, so even if we are preparing it commercially, we are creating awareness and it’s also an important component of this campaign.”
Also, the director and project advisor in NHED, Dr. Jerome Mafeni, spoke on the formation of a national civil coalition to serve as subject matter experts and engage with various media platforms, on the dangers of excessive salt consumption.
He said, “Key public sector organisations collaborating on the campaign include the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
“These agencies will play critical roles in updating regulations, enforcing compliance with salt limits in food products, and enhancing consumer education.”
Meanwhile, the project coordinator on the salt reduction project at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, Mr. Bukola Odele, lamented the estimated daily salt consumption of 5.8 grammes, which exceeded the limit of 2 grams as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
She said, “Salt contains sodium and sodium is an essential nutrient which must be consumed in moderation.
