Setting sodium targets for pre-packaged foods in China - an exploratory study

Area of Science:

• Public Health Nutrition
• Food Policy
• Health Behavior

Background:

• Population sodium intake reduction is a key public health goal.
• Setting sodium targets for pre-packaged foods is a priority strategy.
• Understanding stakeholder attitudes is crucial for policy implementation in China.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore researcher and key stakeholder attitudes toward implementing sodium targets for pre-packaged foods in China.
• To identify considerations for developing and promoting effective sodium target policies.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory study using surveys and focus group discussions.
• 27 purposively selected participants including researchers, consumers, administrators, industry associations, and food producers.
• Thematic analysis of free-text responses to identify key themes.

Main Results:

• Two-thirds of participants supported sodium target-setting policy, with researchers and administrators most supportive.
• An adapted WHO food categorization framework was accepted; maximum values were the preferred target type.
• An initial 20% sodium reduction was favored, with WHO benchmarks seen as long-term goals. Comprehensive strategies are recommended.

Conclusions:

• Sodium target-setting policy is acceptable to most Chinese stakeholders.
• Implementation should be accompanied by strategies to reduce discretionary salt use.
• Findings offer guidance for China and reference for other countries implementing salt reduction strategies.