Health Experts Warn Against Excessive Salt Intake, Especially in Children's Diets, Amid 'Iodine Month'

Kathmandu. As the government observes February as 'Iodine Month,' public health experts and consumer rights activists have cautioned against excessive salt consumption and children's dietary habits. Speaking at a public awareness program organized by the National Consumer Forum, speakers noted that while iodine deficiency diseases have been controlled, new health problems are emerging due to the overuse of salt and the consumption of junk food.

Senior food scientist Dr. Aruna Uprety strongly criticized packaged foods like noodles and biscuits, given to children out of affection, calling them 'poison' for them. "If you give packaged foods to your children out of love, believe me, that is not love; it is like giving them 'alcohol'," Dr. Uprety stated. "Junk food, like alcohol and cigarettes, should not be given to children. Their small kidneys cannot handle the excessive salt in such foods, which leads to high blood pressure and kidney problems in the future."

According to World Health Organization (WHO) standards, an individual should consume only 5 grams (one teaspoon) of salt per day. However, Dr. Uprety pointed out that Nepalis are unknowingly consuming double to triple this amount through processed foods, in addition to salt used in lentils and vegetables.

Uprety added, "Salt is essential for taste, and the body needs iodine. But if the quantity is not managed, it becomes poison. Noodles have become like the national snack for Nepalis, often containing many times more sodium than written on the packet." She advised that consuming ordinary salt in the right amount is healthier, rather than falling for the illusion of expensive 'Himalayan Salt' or 'Exotic Salt.'

At the program, Prem Lal Maharjan, Chairman of the National Consumer Forum, warned that the entry of the private sector into the salt supply system could lead to black marketing and substandard quality. Citing an example where 100 grams of salt was sold for up to 350 rupees in attractive packaging in the past, he asserted that the current distribution system through the Salt Trading Corporation is in the interest of the consumer.

Chairman Maharjan stated, "The interim order of the Supreme Court has stopped the maneuvering of the private sector. Let us not follow the current misconception being spread in the market that 'iodized salt should not be eaten.' The problem is not with the quality of the salt, but with our eating habits." Furthermore, on the occasion of Iodine Month, the forum appealed to everyone to consume salt 'neither too much nor too little' and to feed children fresh, home-cooked food.