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New Delhi, April 29, 2025: Leading health experts and policymakers have issued a strong call for concerted action to reduce salt consumption across India, labeling it a highly cost-effective strategy to combat the nation’s escalating burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The call came during “The Salt Fight 2025: Say NO to Na” workshop held recently in the capital, organized by the Delhi Medical Association (DMA) and partner organizations.
India’s average daily salt intake stands at approximately 11 grams per person, more than double the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 5 grams. This excessive consumption is a major contributor to the rising tide of NCDs, which now account for nearly 65 per cent of all deaths in the country.
Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul, Member (Health) at NITI Aayog, emphasized the critical need to tackle modifiable risk factors like high salt intake. “Reducing salt intake may seem simple, but it is among the most cost-effective strategies available,” Dr. Paul stated. “It is not enough to know the risks — we must focus on what works. Practical campaigns and evidence-based solutions must be scaled urgently.” He highlighted global research indicating that a 30 per cent reduction in salt intake could decrease the prevalence of hypertension by at least 25 per cent, subsequently preventing related conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.
Experts pointed out that much of the excess salt is consumed unknowingly through processed foods, restaurant meals, and packaged snacks. Dr. Girish Tyagi, President of the Delhi Medical Association, underscored the vital role physicians must play. “Salt reduction should not be a footnote during patient consultations. It must be central to our health advice, encouraging low-sodium options and greater awareness about hidden sources of salt,” he urged.
Echoing these concerns, Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, New Delhi, linked high salt consumption to broader lifestyle issues. “Processed foods, refined oils, and excessive salt are slowly harming us,” he warned, adding, “Even medicines and injectable products may contain sodium. Reducing salt intake by even 2 grams a day has the potential to protect millions.”
The workshop participants advocated for a multi-pronged approach, including:
- Physician-led Campaigns: Making salt reduction advice a routine part of clinical practice.
- Food Industry Reformulation: Encouraging manufacturers to lower salt content in processed foods.
- Mandatory Labelling: Implementing clear front-of-pack labels indicating salt content to empower consumers.
- Consumer Education: Raising public awareness about hidden salts and promoting healthier choices.
- Fiscal Measures: Considering taxation on high-salt food items.
- Promoting Low-Salt Options: Encouraging the development and use of low-salt recipes that maintain flavour.
The consensus was a clear call for collaboration between physicians, policymakers, the food industry, and the public to cultivate a low-salt culture across India, aiming to reverse the alarming trend of preventable NCDs.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided from a press release or event coverage dated April 28, 2025.
