"The Sodium Reduction Strategy for Canada has an interim sodium intake goal of a population average of 2,300 mg of sodium per day to be achieved by 2016," explained Dr. Norm Campbell, Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Calgary, Director Hypertension Canada and member of the Sodium Working Group's Steering Committee. "The ultimate goal is to lower sodium intake for as many individuals as possible below the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of 2,300 mg per day."

The process of reducing the sodium content of foods is complex since the role and function of salt and other sodium-based ingredients in foods varies, depending on the nature of the food. Salt is used as flavouring, a preservative and an antibacterial agent. It also has many effects on the texture and structure of foods.

"The release of the Sodium Reduction Strategy for Canadians marks the beginning of a process that will lower the dietary sodium intake of Canadians," says Phyllis Tanaka, Vice-President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Food and Consumer Products of Canada and member of the Sodium Working Group's Steering Committee. "The Strategy is a consensus report. Action on all three prongs is essential to the success of the Strategy."

Source: SODIUM WORKING GROUP