Health Risks of Excessive Sodium and the Role of Value Chain in India

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to understand the role of food industry and value chain in sodium reduction and their contribution to policy making in lowering the sodium levels in processed foods. The research included literature review, author’s views and the data collection regarding sodium contents of commonly used packaged foods in India. The agri-food industry is subject to stringent safety requirements in the world, but most developing countries like India lack credible institutional mechanisms and affordable testing methods to monitor for hazards and ensure that food products remain safe to consume as they move through the value chain. The rising burden of hypertension, associated CVD and NCDs in India needs to be addressed as a public health priority employing an optimal context specific resource sensitive combination of the industrial as well as the clinical approach to reduce their risk of chronic disease, and promote overall health. The organizations need to consider their influence on nation’s health. For this, a food procurement policy need to be followed requiring that the food purchases should make available key nutrients at levels that do not exceed standards established by public health authorities. Such a policy might define the maximum amount of sodium allowed in packed and processed foods and of course food served in restaurants.