ARCHIVED - Stakeholder Consultation on Setting Sodium Reduction Targets (January 2011)

Between October 2007 and July 2010, Health Canada convened a Multi-Stakeholder Working Group on Dietary Sodium Reduction (the Sodium Working Group or SWG) tasked with developing a population health strategy for the reduction of the sodium content in the diets of Canadians

The SWG's work culminated with its Sodium Reduction Strategy for Canada (July 29, 2010), a multi-staged strategy based on a three-pronged approach including: voluntary reduction of sodium levels in prepackaged processed food products and foods sold in foodservice establishments, education, and research. These elements would be complemented by ongoing monitoring and evaluation, and adjustment of the approach as required.

It is currently estimated that the average Canadian's sodium intake is 3,400 mg per day. The Strategy has an interim sodium intake goal of a population average of 2,300 mg of sodium per day to be achieved by 2016.

With more than 75% of our sodium coming from commercially prepared foods, one focus of the SWG Strategy is to seek a reduction in the sodium content of these foods. Health Canada recognizes that the process of setting targets for sodium content in foods is complex, since the role and function of sodium varies depending on the nature of the food. It is critical to obtain meaningful feedback from industry to ensure that the targets are substantive and realistic, thereby achieving the public health goal of reduced dietary sodium intakes outlined above while taking into account any potential technical or transitional issues.

How to get Involved

Health Canada is seeking feedback, particularly from the food industry, on the proposed sodium reduction targets.

This consultation is open for comment starting January 7 until January 31, 2011.

Please click the link below titled "Stakeholder Consultation on Setting Sodium Reduction Targets."

Responses can be e-mailed to sodium@hc-sc.gc.ca or faxed to 613-941-6636 (Attn: Sodium)

Stakeholder Consultation on Setting Sodium Reduction Targets

Submissions are absolutely necessary by January 31, 2011 to allow us sufficient time to finalize targets by the end of March. Earlier responses would be greatly appreciated to accelerate the review process.

Background Documents:

• Sodium Reduction Strategy for Canada

Reporting to Canadians

Health Canada will make the results of this consultation available on this website.

If you have any questions, contact us at sodium@hc-sc.gc.ca