The Caribbean Public Health Agency is urging governments, the food industry and individuals across the region to take stronger action to reduce excessive salt consumption as cases of hypertension and heart disease continue to rise.
In a statement marking World Salt Awareness Week 2026, observed from May 11 to 17 under the theme “Salt It Out”, CARPHA said between 21 and 27 per cent of Caribbean adults are hypertensive, while many populations consume nearly double the World Health Organization recommended daily salt intake.
According to the agency, the WHO recommends adults consume less than five grams of salt daily, equivalent to less than one teaspoon. However, average global consumption is estimated at more than 10 grams per day.
CARPHA noted that excessive sodium intake contributes to hypertension, heart disease and stroke, with cardiovascular diseases accounting for more than 30 per cent of non-communicable disease-related deaths in the region.
Executive Director Lisa Indar said many people were unaware that much of the salt consumed comes from processed and ultra-processed foods rather than table salt.
“Through stronger policies, food reformulation, better labelling, and public education, we can reduce sodium intake and save lives,” she said. “World Salt Awareness Week reminds us that reducing salt is one of the simplest and most cost-effective actions we can take to improve public health and protect future generations.”
CARPHA said it continues to work with regional ministries of health, the Pan American Health Organization and other stakeholders on sodium reduction strategies, including public education campaigns, food labelling initiatives and healthier food policies.
The agency also highlighted its Six-Point Policy Package and the CESA Regional Sodium Reduction Framework, which promote measures such as front-of-package labelling, restrictions on advertising high-sodium foods to children, school nutrition education and food reformulation targets. (PR)
