New Paper: The Case for Mandatory Sodium Reduction Targets

27 June 2025

The paper focuses on mandatory sodium reduction targets as a means to reduce population-level sodium intake. It highlights their effectiveness in reducing excessive salt consumption, and in turn cases of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

Citing guidance from the World Health Organisation, the paper outlines the importance of a mandatory policy approach rather than voluntary industry agreements. Mandatory sodium reduction targets ensure a broader industry compliance that creates a level playing field for both companies and consumers. Unlike voluntary measures, they provide clear enforceable standards and are more likely to achieve a reduction in sodium intake and a subsequent decrease in related health conditions. The paper also emphasises that such policies should be complemented by food reformulation and broader dietary improvement initiatives.

The paper references countries such as Argentina, Colombia, and South Africa who have adopted “gold standard” mandatory sodium targets and have achieved considerable success reducing sodium consumption and long-term industry compliance.

In contrast, the UK’s experience is framed more so as a ‘missed opportunity’, or ‘cautionary tale’. Early progress was made under the UK Salt Reduction Programme, achieved by setting voluntary but increasingly strict targets with strong government involvement and industry monitoring. However, the withdrawal of this oversight led to greater freedom to the food industry to self-monitor and diminished their accountability, seeing sodium reductions and health benefits stall.

The report concludes with 10 evidence-based recommendations for designing and implementing effective sodium reduction policies, as seen below:

1. Make it mandatory - A compulsory approach ensures stronger compliance and greater public health impact.
2. Ensure Transparency - Use accountability frameworks to protect public health from commercial interests.
3. Use global or regional guidance – Align with World Health Organisation global sodium benchmarks and regional targets (e.g., PAHO, SEARO).
4. Adopt a stepwise approach - Gradually reduce sodium levels over time, adding more food categories as needed.
5. Set maximum limits - Use a “maximum limit” approach to facilitate enforcement and monitoring.
6. Adapt to context - Use a comprehensive model in high-capacity settings; start with a conservative model in low-resource contexts.
7. Standardise targets - Define sodium limits per 100 g (solids) and 100 ml (liquids).
8. Plan for monitoring and enforcement – Establish monitoring led by independent, conflict-free institutions before implementation.
9. Complement with other measures - Include nutrient declarations, front-of-package warning labels and marketing restrictions among other best practices.
10. Support behaviour change – Use communication campaigns and education to reinforce policy impact.

The full paper can be read on the Global Health Advocacy Incubator website.