MFDS-KDCA Awarded 'Excellence in Sodium Intake Reduction' Institution Prize

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on the 14th that they jointly received the 'Excellence Award for Sodium Intake Reduction' from the World Hypertension League (WHL).

The World Hypertension League is a non-profit, non-governmental international organization established in 1983 to prevent and manage hypertension worldwide, with participation from 60 national societies including the Korean Society of Hypertension.

The WHL Excellence Award is given to individuals or organizations that have achieved results in preventing hypertension by reducing sodium intake, and this is the first time the award has been received in Korea.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety explained that it was selected as an awardee this year as its efforts to achieve the World Health Organization (WHO) resolution to reduce sodium intake by 30% by 2025 have been internationally recognized. In fact, the average daily sodium intake per person decreased by about 30%, from 4,831 mg in 2010 to 3,274 mg in 2018.

The Ministry plans to establish and implement the 3rd Comprehensive Plan (2021?2025) to further reduce sodium intake.

Lee Ui-kyung, Commissioner of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, said, "Our citizens' sodium intake is still more than 1.5 times higher than the WHO recommended amount of 2,000 mg, so it must continue to be reduced," and urged, "Please participate in practicing a less salty diet and creating a social environment where people can lead healthier lives."