"Let's Eat Less Salty"... Incheon City Expands Sodium Reduction Practice to 485 Establishments

Check the sodium content [Photo by Asia Economy]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Incheon City is promoting a 'Sodium Reduction Project' targeting daycare centers, cafeterias, and restaurants to reduce excessive salt intake and foster a healthy food culture.

First, to reduce the sodium content in foods sold at dining establishments, the number of 'Sodium Reduction Practice Businesses' designated will be expanded from 455 last year to 485 this year.

To this end, by October, city officials and consumer food hygiene inspectors will visit the targeted businesses twice to measure the salt concentration and sodium content of the foods sold, followed by re-designation and new designation of practice businesses.

Additionally, businesses newly participating in the sodium reduction project this year will receive technical training on sodium reduction, including salt substitute cooking methods and low-sodium recipes that can be used on-site, aimed at business owners and cooking staff.

The city will attach signboards to businesses designated as Sodium Reduction Practice Businesses, actively promote the list of businesses on the city and district websites, and conduct a public campaign encouraging citizens to request 'less salty' when ordering at restaurants.

Excessive sodium in the body is known to constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart disease. However, the average daily sodium intake in Korea is nearly twice the amount recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

An Incheon city official stated, "Although the average daily sodium intake has been decreasing year by year according to the National Health and Nutrition Survey, it remains high compared to international standards," adding, "We plan to guide the formation of proper eating habits with the goal of reducing intake to below 3500mg by the end of this year."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.