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We are in for a lot less salt in our foods, according to a new food law.
South Africans are a salty bunch. On average, we take in double the recommended daily salt limit of five grams (one teaspoon). This
little dietary affinity costs us in the long-term, raising blood pressure, contributing to heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
A pinch of health
In March 2013, South Africa’s Minister of Health signed legislation to reduce salt levels in some of our most commonly consumed foods. These include bread, breakfast cereals, margarine and butter, savoury snacks, potato chips, processed meats, sausages, soup and gravy powders, instant noodles and stocks.
The new law requires these foods to meet new sodium targets. A three-year implementation period was granted to allow time for manufacturers to experiment with reformulation, and produce lower salt products that still retain flavour. As of June 2016, all manufacturers have to abide by the new recommended salt levels. South Africa is the first country to legislate such a wide range of foods.
Spare the salt
The new legislation will reduce daily salt intake by 0.85 g per person. This level of salt reduction is part of a bid by our health department to ward off diseases linked to a high salt intake. The initiative is estimated to result in 7 400 fewer cardiovascular deaths and 4 300 fewer non-fatal strokes every year.
Will it work?
While it is an important step, the new salt law is not a standalone solution. To get ahead of the salt epidemic, more foods need to be included in the legislation. The reality is also that the foods in the first phase still do have a very high salt content, even after target levels are met.
The quickest win would be for South Africans to self-regulate - as we are still eating too much salt at the table. The average consumer adds four grams of salt to food at home. This alone nearly meets the World Health Organization’s limit of five grams a day (about one teaspoon).
Do your bit for your health; read food labels, compare products, demand less salty foods - and stick to the recommended daily limit.
