Medical experts stress need for products with low salt for better health
The workshop was organised by the Sapiens Health Foundation, a Chennai-based NGO, in collaboration with the A.P. chapter of the Association of Physicians of India (API–AP), Indian Medical Association (IMA-AP) and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), a New York-based NGO, in Vijayawada on Tuesday (August 5).
Foundation chairman Rajan Ravichandran recalled their fight for low salt consumption in the country for the past 15 years. He emphasised the importance of labelling and statutory guidelines on salt/sodium contents in packaged foods.
Later, medical experts from the A.P. Medical Council, IMA-A.P. and Association of Physicians discussed the availability of cost-effective low salt substitutes during the session and felt the need for spreading awareness among the people on these products. They also emphasised the need for government policies on taxation on high salted items and food labelling for salt. Low salt recipes were suggested by nutritionists that would appeal to taste and also support better health.
Later, they released a manual on salt guidelines for physicians and posters were distributed.
Health Special Chief Secretary M.T. Krishna Babu inaugurated the workshop and released posters on salt consumption for optimal health. Similar workshops were previously held in Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi.
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