By Our Reporter
The Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED) has insisted that mandatory sodium targets and clear warning labels on packaged foods can shift the food environment, support informed consumer choices and save lives.
NHED Project Director, Dr. Jerome Mafeni, stated this in a Press Statement to mark the World Salt Awareness Week 2025, in Abuja.
He, therefore, advocated for stronger food policies, particularly the adoption of mandatory salt targets and Front-of-Pack Warning Labelling (FOPWL) as key regulatory tools to promote healthier food environments.
Dr. Mafeni said: “Reducing salt intake is not just a personal choice—it’s a policy issue. Mandatory sodium targets and clear warning labels on packaged foods can shift the food environment, support informed consumer choices, and save lives.”
He regrated that Nigeria’s average salt consumption exceeds WHO recommendations which is driven by high sodium levels in bouillon cubes, processed foods, and street meals.
NHED, according to him, through its leadership of the Coalition for Healthy Food Advocacy, continues to push for policy measures that hold the food industry accountable and promote healthier diets.
World Salt Awareness Week is celebrated every year with the aim of raising awareness about the dangers of excessive salt consumption. The theme for the 2025 celebration is “6 Ways to 6 Grams.”
