Mandatory Sodium Reduction Targets for Processed Foods
Excessive sodium intake has become a global health crisis. Shockingly, around 2 million deaths each year are linked to high sodium diets. In most countries, people consume more than twice the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended sodium limit—primarily from processed and ultra-processed foods. But as consumers we often have little control over our sodium intake because the food and beverage industry decide how much sodium goes into their products. That’s why mandatory policies are urgently needed to reduce population-level sodium intake.
This position paper outlines the key steps needed to establish effective mandatory sodium reduction targets, informed by country experiences where these policies have been successfully implemented. It also provides clear, evidence-based recommendations to help decision-makers and advocates develop and advance mandatory sodium reduction target policies. This position paper was developed in partnership with Resolve to Save Lives.
Download our infographic for a snapshot of best practices for setting Mandatory Sodium Reduction Targets.
10 Best Practices for Setting Mandatory Sodium Reduction Targets
1
Make it mandatory: A compulsory approach ensures stronger compliance and greater public health impact.
2
Ensure transparency:
Use accountability frameworks to protect public health from commercial interests.
3
Use global or regional guidance: Align with WHO Global Sodium Benchmarks and regional targets (e.g., Pan American Health Organization, South-East Asia Region).
4
Adopt a stepwise approach: Gradually reduce sodium levels over time, adding more food categories as needed.
5
Set maximum limits: Use a “maximum limit” approach to facilitate enforcement and monitoring.
6
Adapt to context: Use a comprehensive model in high-capacity settings; start with a conservative model in low-resource contexts.
7
Standardize targets: Define sodium limits per 100 g (solids) and 100 ml (liquids).
8
Plan for monitoring and enforcement: Establish monitoring led by independent, conflict-free institutions before implementation.
9
Complement with other measures: Include nutrient declarations, front-of-package warning labels, and marketing restrictions among other best practices.
10
Support behavior change: Use communication campaigns and education to reinforce policy impact.
1.86 million deaths
High sodium intake contributes to 1.86 million deaths worldwide.
2X too much
In most countries, people consume more than double the WHO’s recommended daily sodium limit.
$1 in = $12 out
The WHO has estimated a return of investment of at least $12 for every dollar invested in sodium reduction interventions.
Only 26%
Only 26% of the world’s population lives in countries that have implemented mandatory measures to reduce sodium intake.
