Cutting Salt, Saving Lives: New WHO Guidelines for India's Packaged Foods

The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed global criteria for salt levels in packaged goods. The George Institute for Global Health has released a paper in The Lancet (1). The Lancet Public Health study evaluates the health benefits and cost-effectiveness of adopting these guidelines in India. This study is noteworthy since excessive salt consumption is a main cause of death and sickness globally.

Lowering Sodium in Packaged Foods Could Help Reduce Deaths Worldwide

The significant rise in the consumption of high-sodium packaged meals is cause for alarm. India has a unique opportunity to improve dietary quality by reducing sodium levels in packaged foods before they become a key food source, unlike many other high-income countries. Reducing the sodium content in packaged goods can be tough once consumers become accustomed to them.

The study found that adhering to the WHO's salt limits could avoid around 3,00,000 deaths from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) during the first 10 years. This could avoid around 1.7 million new CVD cases and 7,00,000 new CKD cases compared to existing procedures. Reducing sodium in packaged foods might save over $800 million and prevent 2.4 million cases of heart disease, stroke, and renal disease. This might result in a lifetime savings of $2.5 billion. Limiting sodium in packaged foods has been shown to reduce healthcare expenditures associated with chronic diseases, making it a compelling argument for politicians.

The researchers utilized a comprehensive model to assess the health benefits for individuals if salt levels in packaged goods were below WHO guideline limits. The study investigated data from different sources, including consumer surveys, food ingredient information, sales statistics, and sodium levels on packaged goods. The study found that lowering sodium intake can reduce the risk of heart and renal disorders.

The study's findings were consistent despite changing assumptions and data, such as estimates of future salt intake from packaged foods. Following the WHO's salt limits can save money and lives, regardless of whether consumers consume more packaged goods in the future.

India Should Implement Salt Restrictions on Packaged Foods

Sudhir Raj Thout, Research Fellow at The George Institute for Global Health India, emphasized the importance of the study's findings, citing the increasing health hazards associated with high sodium intake. India's Eat Right India strategy offers the potential for greater effect. As more people rely on packaged goods, prompt action is necessary. Following the WHO's salt standards is a cost-effective way to promote public health.

The George Institute's study recommends that India implement and enforce salt limits for packaged foods. Reducing sodium consumption can avoid health issues and save money, making it a top concern for politicians. As more people consume packaged goods, it's crucial to take measures to safeguard public health. The WHO Country Office in India financed this research to promote healthy eating habits and reduce diet-related diseases worldwide.

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References:

1. Estimated health benefits, costs, and cost-effectiveness of implementing WHO's sodium benchmarks for packaged foods in India: a modelling study (Estimated health benefits, costs, and cost-effectiveness of implementing WHO's sodium benchmarks for packaged foods in India: a modelling study. Trieu, Kathy et al. The Lancet Public Health, Volume 9, Issue 11, e852 - e860)

Source-Medindia