By: Staff Writer
February 14, 2025
A new report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reveals that sodium/salt consumption levels in the Caribbean are twice as high as recommended, contributing to the development of cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to the point where eight out of 10 deaths are a result of NCDs.
The report, “Dietary Sodium in Caribbean Populations,” underscores the urgency of implementing strategies such as mandatory sodium content reduction in foods, front-of-package warning labeling, and the regulation of marketing for high-sodium products.
It also said that the Caribbean has been active in its advocacy. “The Healthy Caribbean Coalition has been very active in its advocacy for the implementation of front-of package warning labeling (13) and the prevention of childhood obesity. Having warning labels, especially for sodium content, will assist consumers in making informed decisions about what food products they should be purchasing to preserve their health. Evidence shows that this is an effective method of allowing consumers to accurately identify products containing excess amounts of nutrients of concern.”
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death in the Americas. Evidence shows that excessive sodium consumption is a key risk factor for developing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing the importance of reducing sodium intake among the population. They account for eight out of 10 deaths a year, the report noted.
The report also said: “NCDs can be prevented through reducing the main risk factors, one of which is unhealthy diets. Worldwide, the majority of diet-related deaths, an estimated 1.89 million each year, are associated with excessive sodium intake, a well-established risk factor for high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.”
WHO Member States have set a global target to reduce sodium/salt consumption by 30% by 2025, which is essential to achieving a 25 percent reduction in premature mortality from NCDs. “Excessive sodium consumption is a public health challenge that requires urgent and coordinated responses. Evidence shows that reducing sodium intake in the population can prevent cardiovascular diseases and other NCDs, improving people’s quality of life and reducing pressure on health systems,” said Dr. Anselm Hennis, Director of the Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health at PAHO.
In many countries, approximately three-quarters of the sodium consumed comes from processed and ultra-processed foods, including bread, cereals, processed meats, and cheese. In Barbados, ultra-processed foods account for 40.5 percent of daily caloric intake. Meanwhile, in Trinidad and Tobago, an analysis of 1,239 processed and ultra-processed products found that many food categories—such as sauces, dressings, and fish and seafood products—exceed the sodium thresholds established by the PAHO Nutrient Profile Model.