Workshop Highlights Hidden Salt Threat in Packaged Foods

The IIT-Madras, in collaboration with various organizations, hosted a workshop emphasizing the dangers of hidden salt in packaged foods. The event highlighted that 70-80% of salt consumption comes from these sources. Strategies and interventions similar to those for tobacco were recommended to combat high salt intake, which is a leading contributor to non-communicable diseases.

In a collaborative event on Sunday, IIT-Madras, alongside the Tamil Nadu government and other partners, spotlighted the underestimated perils of hidden salt content in packaged foods. Research reveals that an alarming 70-80% of our salt consumption comes from these inconspicuous sources rather than direct intake.

Dr T S Selva Vinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, emphasized the urgent need to address modifiable risk factors such as salt to combat the epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCD), which account for 65% of fatalities. A reduction in salt intake by 30% could decrease hypertension prevalence by 25%, he noted.

Furthermore, the workshop underscored the role of labeling and public guidelines, with educational materials such as posters being distributed. Dr Rajan Ravichandran and Dr Amit Shah stressed the importance of the global movement to curb salt intake, urging the medical community to champion this cause.