Experts Call for Urgent Action To Cut Salt Intake Amid Rising Health Crisis In India

Health experts have urged immediate nationwide efforts to reduce salt intake, warning that excessive consumption is fuelling India’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

At the Salt Fight 2025: Say NO to Na workshop in New Delhi, doctors and public health leaders highlighted that India’s average daily salt consumption—nearly 11 grams—doubles the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 5 grams.

High Salt Intake Linked to Rising Death Toll

“Reducing salt intake is one of the most cost-effective strategies to improve public health,” said Dr Vinod Kumar Paul, Member of NITI Aayog, during the event organised by the Delhi Medical Association (DMA) and partner organisations.

He stressed the urgent need to tackle modifiable risk factors such as excessive salt intake, which contributes significantly to NCDs—currently responsible for nearly 65 per cent of all deaths in the country.

Practical, Scalable Solutions Required

Dr Paul emphasised that awareness alone is insufficient. “We must scale up evidence-based interventions and practical campaigns.

Knowing the risks is not enough—we must implement what works,” he said.

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Citing international research, he noted that a 30 per cent reduction in salt intake could lower the prevalence of hypertension by at least 25 per cent, significantly reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.

Health data further reveal that much of the excess salt consumed in India comes from processed foods, restaurant meals, and packaged snacks—sources often overlooked by the average consumer.

Doctors Urged To Lead The Fight

Dr Girish Tyagi, President of the Delhi Medical Association, called on medical professionals to play a more active role in addressing the issue.

“Salt reduction must be central to our clinical advice—not a footnote. We need to promote low-sodium diets and educate patients about hidden sources of salt,” he said.

Adding to the discussion, Dr Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, New Delhi, linked salt overconsumption to broader modern dietary habits.

“Processed foods, refined oils, and excess salt are gradually damaging our health. Even medications may contain sodium. Reducing salt by just 2 grams daily could save millions of lives,” he explained.

Policy Reform And Food Industry Responsibility

In addition to public education, the panel of experts advocated for reformulations in packaged foods, clear front-of-pack salt labelling, and even taxation on high-salt products. They also encouraged the development of flavourful low-salt recipes to make healthy eating more appealing.

The workshop further concluded with a united call for collaboration between physicians, policymakers, and the food industry.

Experts stressed the importance of fostering a low-salt culture to curb the rising tide of preventable diseases and reduce the long-term health burden on the nation.