NAFDAC Moves to Reduce Salt in Foods

By Balikis O. Usman

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control) has announced plans to introduce new regulations aimed at reducing sodium levels in pre-packaged foods, as part of efforts to tackle the rising cases of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria.

As reported by Punch Newspaper, she spoke at a stakeholders’ engagement on the proposed policy, the agency’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, warned that excessive consumption of salt remains a major public health concern. She linked high sodium intake to increased risks of hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions, describing it as one of the leading dietary risk factors for preventable deaths.

She cited guidance from the WHO, which identifies sodium reduction as one of the most cost-effective interventions to improve population health and reduce premature mortality from NCDs.

The Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at NAFDAC, Eva Edwards, also revealed that, “Nigerians consume an average of about 10 grams of salt daily, nearly twice the WHO recommended limit of 5 grams (equivalent to less than 2 grams of sodium per day).”

Building on this concern, another key issue raised at the meeting was the growing reliance on pre-packaged foods in daily diets. “Pre-packaged foods now form a growing share of daily diets, especially in urban areas. While convenient, they contribute significantly to excessive sodium intake,” she said.

To address the situation, the agency is proposing a set of measures that include setting maximum sodium limits for selected food categories, mandating clearer labelling of sodium content, and encouraging manufacturers to gradually reformulate their products. The policy will begin with a phased reduction strategy, starting with a 15 percent cut in sodium levels.

Public health stakeholders also stressed the urgency of the intervention, noting that non-communicable diseases account for a significant proportion of deaths in Nigeria, with cardiovascular conditions leading the burden. They warned that without decisive action, the country’s healthcare system could face increased pressure due to diet-related illnesses.

Adeyeye emphasized that collaboration among key stakeholders, including food manufacturers, regulators, researchers, and consumer groups, will be essential for the success of the initiative. She described sodium reduction as a national health priority and expressed confidence that the proposed regulations would help improve public health outcomes and protect future generations.