The new Sodium Intake of Canadians in 2017 report from Health Canada claims Canadians are consuming too much salt and now the Government of Canada is recommending steps to help Canadians reduce their intake. As a result, Health Canada is planning new or revised voluntary sodium-reduction targets for both prepackaged and restaurant foods.
The government’s health department is also planning to create a monitoring program to evaluate and report on progress. Still, officials say that more has to be done to ensure that Canadians are pursuing, and maintaining, a healthy lifestyle.
“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and healthy eating, plays an important role in helping to prevent chronic diseases,” says Dr. Theresa Tam, chief Public Health officer. “Reducing the amount of sodium we consume can help reduce our risk of high blood pressure — a primary risk factor for heart disease, kidney disease and stroke.”
The report shows Canadians consume an average of 2,760 mg of sodium each day, which is almost double the recommended daily amount.
According to the study, one-in-four adults have high blood pressure and almost one-third spend their money on processed foods that are high in sodium. What’s more, it also noted that, in Canada, 77 per cent of sodium consumed comes from processed food.
Data from Health Canada shows Canadians should aim for 1,500 mg of sodium per day and, if they go over that amount, to limit their consumption to no more than 2,300 mg per day. However, 58 per cent of all Canadians and 72 per cent of Canadian children between the age of four and 13 are consuming more than the recommended limits.
Males have much higher intakes of sodium than females across all age groups. In fact, almost all males between the age of 14 and 30 consume more than 2,300 mg of sodium daily.
In February 2018, Health Canada introduced a regulatory proposal to require a front-of-package symbol on foods high in sodium, sugars and saturated fat. This symbol will help Canadians make healthier food choices and encourage manufacturers to reduce sodium levels in many foods.
The onus is not only on Canadians but the manufacturers, who could face new regulations that would restrict the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children under the age of 13 years. Health Canada will also look to revamp Canada’s Food Guide to better meet the needs of different users.
“I’m concerned that sodium consumption by Canadians, especially children, remains high,” noted Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health with the Government of Canada. “That is why our government is proposing initiatives, such as front-of-package nutrition symbols, to make it easier for Canadians to make healthier choices, including choosing foods that are lower in sodium.”
