Salt Consumption: NAFDAC Plans Tighter Rules on Sodium in Foods, Gives Reason

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sounded the alarm on the dangers of excessive salt consumption in Nigeria. The agency is set to introduce strict regulations on the amount of sodium allowed in pre-packaged foods, with new rules expected to come into effect in 2026.

Speaking at a stakeholders' meeting, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, warned that Nigerians are eating too much salt, leading to a rise in non-communicable diseases like hypertension, stroke and heart conditions. She said the proposed regulations, guided by World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, would set sodium limits for certain foods, require clearer labelling and encourage manufacturers to make healthier products.

"The situation is urgent," said Eva Edwards, NAFDAC's Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, citing data that shows Nigerians consume twice the WHO-recommended daily salt intake of 5 grams. Processed and ultra-processed foods are major contributors to this problem, especially in urban areas.

The plan is to gradually reduce sodium levels in foods, starting with a 15% cut and aiming for a 30% national reduction by 2030. NAFDAC is working with the Federal Ministry of Health and public health partners to make this happen.

Adeyeye stressed that this is a national priority, not an attack on industry. "Reducing sodium in our food supply is not optional, it's a national priority," she said. The proposed regulations will go through further review and approval before implementation.

Source: The Sun Nigeria

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