March 31 Designated as "Samsamhan Day" by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety
First Commemorative Event Held at Yonsei University
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has designated March 31st each year as "Samsamhan Day" starting this year, conducting a nationwide campaign to reduce excessive sodium intake and promote a culture of healthy eating habits. March 31st was chosen as "Samsamhan Day" because the date sounds similar to "Samsamhan," which means "food that tastes a little bland yet flavorful."
On the 31st, to encourage participation from young people in their teens and twenties, the Ministry held the first commemorative event for "Samsamhan Day" at the Choi Young Hall in Baekyang Nuri Complex Cultural Space at Yonsei University.
On this day, Minister Oh Yu-kyung of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety held a Samsamhan talk with representatives from the school meal industry, health experts, and chefs. They connected in real-time via video with meal service sites providing Samsam menus, including Busanjin-gu Office Daycare Center, Gwangju Bitgoeul Senior Nursing Center, and Daejeon LG Uplus R&D Center, sharing opinions on industry efforts and support needs for promoting healthy eating habits among the public.
Minister Oh stated that although the average daily intake of sodium and sugars among Koreans has been steadily decreasing, sodium intake remains about 1.5 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level (2000 mg/day). She added, "The Ministry supports the production of low-sodium and low-sugar foods and is leading a culture of displaying low-sodium and low-sugar labels on nutrition information to promote eating habits that are less salty and less sweet."
She continued, "I hope that the 'Samsamhan Day' commemorative day will serve as an opportunity for all citizens to realize the importance of healthy eating habits and to start small daily practices to reduce sodium intake."
Kang Jae-heon, Chair of the Low-Sodium and Low-Sugar Practice Headquarters and Professor of Family Medicine at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, emphasized in the discussion that reducing sodium intake is crucial for maintaining a healthy life. He added, "I hope 'Samsamhan Day' will become a commemorative day that deepens and engrains the meaning of a healthy life, not just a one-day event."
Yang Gwang-sook, Director of Food Policy at Seoul City, addressed dining establishments, saying, "While it is very encouraging that many efforts are being made regarding zero-calorie options these days, the slight price increases can be a burden for consumers. If, when implementing such good policies, ways to keep prices somewhat affordable are also considered, it would help in spreading these practices."
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