Highlights
The negative health impact of high sodium consumption is well documented, as are the benefits of reducing sodium intake on blood pressure and the risk of chronic diseases. The World Health Organization has recommended for several years the implementation of public policies to improve the nutritional composition of processed foods, since these are the foods that contribute the most to the population’s sodium intake. In this regard, it recommends the establishment of sodium reduction targets which are defined as quantified objectives aimed at reducing the sodium content of processed foods.
This document, produced at the request of the MSSS, aims to answer the following research question: what data is currently available in Quebec to inform reflection regarding the development and implementation of sodium reduction targets. The documented elements made it possible to draw out the following findings:
- The objectives for reducing sodium intake, established by various recognized public health organizations, are expressed in the form of a percentage reduction (30%) and a limit to be respected (1500 to 2731 mg of sodium per day depending on the reference);
- Quebec and Canadian data on sodium consumption remind us that the average sodium intake of Quebecers (2901 mg) and Canadians (2760 mg) exceeds the daily limit of 2300 mg recommended in Canada;
- The nine main food categories contributing the most to the sodium intake of Quebecers were identified as being the following: “breads”, “charcuterie”, “sausages”, “vegetables”, “cheese”, “sauces and dressings”, “soups”, “biscuits and cakes” and “breakfast cereals”;
- These nine food categories were matched to the food categories targeted by the sodium reduction targets of Canada, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom, thus making it possible to compare these targets with each other;
- Comparisons of the thresholds established by the targets of the different countries have highlighted several concordances, but, generally speaking, the thresholds of the United Kingdom are those which aim for the lowest sodium levels. Note that the initial nutritional composition of a country’s food supply, the types of thresholds used and the extent of the sodium intake reduction objective are elements to be taken into consideration when comparing sodium intake targets. different countries;
- For the nine food categories contributing the most to the sodium intake of Quebecers, the sodium contents of the products offered and purchased in Quebec were reported, which made it possible to paint a picture of the food supply and purchases for these products.
Finally, this document provides a portrait of the current situation in Quebec with regard to data prior to the development of sodium reduction targets, with the aim of providing food for thought regarding the reformulation of processed foods in Quebec.
