World Health Organisation calls for reduction in salt consumption

A recent report recommends that salt consumption from all sources be reduced to 5g per day (2g or 2000mg of sodium), and that the salt consumed is iodised.

World Health Organisation (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO)  experts stressed the influence of sodium on blood pressure and increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

Conclusive scientific evidence also links excessive consumption of sodium with gastric cancer, osteoporosis, cataracts, kidney stones and diabetes.

The Heart Foundation supports the call for a reduction in salt intake in New Zealand, highlighting that our average consumption levels are currently almost twice this recommended level at 9g per day.

Sources: World Health Organisation www.who.int and
National Heart Foundation www.nhf.org.nz