2010:04 DECREASING SODIUM CONSUMPTION BY CANADIANS
Whereas 1 it is estimated that Canadians consume on average 3092 mg of sodium a day, more than double the recommended amount of 1200 to 1500 mg a day for most adults; and
Whereas 2 our food habits are established from birth and many children consume excess sodium; and
Whereas 3 consumption of too much sodium on a regular basis can contribute to high blood pressure; which is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease; and
Whereas 4 it is estimated that about 80% of sodium in the diet of Canadians comes from processed food; and
Whereas 5 in 2007 the Canadian Government created the Sodium Working Group, chaired by Health Canada, to develop a national sodium reduction strategy; therefore be it
Resolved 1 that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that the reduction of sodium intake be part of a national strategy to improve the health of Canadians; and be it further
Resolved 2 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:
a. take all necessary measures to follow the recommendations of the Sodium Reduction Strategy which is to be published in 2010; and
b. ensure that the Public Health Agency of Canada:
c. provides leadership in educating Canadians of the dangers of excessive intake of sodium; and
d. develops a strategy and regulations for reduction of sodium in processed foods, and
iii. adopt a colour coding system to indicate the level of sodium in products.