Food and drug regulator, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, has unveiled plans to regulate sodium levels in pre-packaged foods as part of efforts to combat the growing burden of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting on the draft Reduction of Sodium in Pre-Packaged Foods Regulations 2026. She warned that excessive salt consumption remains a major dietary risk factor contributing to preventable deaths both in Nigeria and globally.
According to NAFDAC, Nigerians consume an average of 10 grams of salt daily—almost double the five grams recommended by the World Health Organization. Officials say this trend is closely linked to increasing cases of hypertension, stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure.
The proposed regulation seeks to:
Set maximum sodium limits for selected food categories
Mandate clear labelling of sodium content
Require food manufacturers to gradually reduce salt levels in their products
A phased reduction strategy will begin with a 15% cut in sodium content, aligning with the WHO target of a 30% reduction in population salt intake by 2030.
NAFDAC emphasized that while regulation is critical, collaboration with the food industry will be essential to ensure successful reformulation of products without compromising quality and safety.
Public health experts and civil society groups have welcomed the move, describing it as a necessary step to curb diet-related diseases amid increasing reliance on processed foods, especially in urban areas.
The draft policy will be reviewed further before being submitted for approval and eventual implementation.