Government launches bid to cut people’s salt intake by 30%

The Public Health Ministry aims to cut people’s sodium intake by 30% in five years in a campaign under way to combat excess salt consumption that causes many chronic diseases.

According to the Department of Disease Control (DDC), salty food causes many deaths and chronic suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including hypertension and kidney failure.

The ministry has set the target of reducing people’s sodium intake by 30% by 2025, said DDC deputy director-general Kajornsak Kaewjaras.

Surasak Kantachoovetsiri, president of the Network for Reduced Sodium Consumption, said excessive sodium intake poses a high risk factor for several serious diseases.

He said that many meals sold at eateries and stalls already have generous portions of sodium, with consumers preferring to add even more condiments to their meals, making them even saltier.

Sodium intake…