Across Latin America and the Caribbean, excessive salt intake has emerged as a pressing public health crisis, far exceeding global health guidelines and driving rising rates of life-threatening cardiovascular conditions, regional health authorities have warned.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that healthy adults cap daily sodium intake at 2000 milligrams, equal to roughly one teaspoon or 5 grams of salt, with even lower limits set for children. But current consumption data across the region tells a starkly different story: average daily salt intake ranges from 8 to 12 grams, two to nearly three times the WHO-recommended threshold. In major regional economies including Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, average daily consumption hovers between 9 and 10 grams, while Caribbean nations such as Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago report intake between 8 and 11 grams per day. This consistent overconsumption acts as a major modifiable risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease, the leading causes of death in the region.
Fabio da Silva Gomes, a food and physical activity advisor for the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), explained that most people drastically underestimate how much salt they consume daily. Contrary to common belief that most excess sodium comes from table salt added during cooking or at meals, approximately 80% of dietary sodium in regional diets is sourced from processed and ultra-processed products, including cured meats, pre-packaged snacks, and breakfast cereals. As consumption of these highly processed products has risen sharply across the region, the need for targeted public policy and consumer protection regulation has grown more urgent.
One widespread consumer misconception that health officials aim to correct centers on the perceived health differences between popular salt varieties. Whether marketed as sea salt, Himalayan salt, or standard table salt, nearly all commercial salt products are primarily composed of sodium chloride, and carry the same heart health risks when consumed in excess. While some commercially available salt substitutes reduce sodium content and boost potassium, which can offer benefits for heart health, these products are not recommended for pregnant people, children, or individuals living with kidney disease.
Health officials identify the lobbying and influence of the food processing industry as one of the largest barriers to cutting population-wide salt intake. Food companies frequently seek to delay or weaken mandatory sodium reduction regulations by questioning public health research, pushing for ineffective voluntary industry commitments, and even pursuing legal action to block stricter rules.
For individual consumers, da Silva Gomes advises prioritizing whole foods over heavily processed alternatives and preparing more meals at home to maintain control over sodium content. “By adjusting recipes and cooking with intentionality, people can protect their own health and that of their families,” he noted.
Data from early adopters shows that mandatory regulatory measures are the most effective tools for cutting population salt intake. Policies including mandatory maximum sodium limits for processed foods and required front-of-package warning labels for high-salt products have already delivered results. Argentina, Mexico and Colombia have already implemented these warning label systems, which have driven measurable reductions in consumer purchases of high-salt products. Additional effective steps include regulating marketing for high-salt processed foods and limiting access to these products in school settings.
PAHO supports national governments across the region in advancing healthier food policies, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and boosting public awareness of sodium-related health risks. These efforts align with WHO’s global target of cutting population salt intake by 30% by 2030. PAHO provides member states with practical resources including the PAHO Regional Sodium Reduction Targets, in-person training, and free online courses on regulatory design. The organization also works to accelerate the adoption of front-of-package warning labels to help consumers make informed, healthier choices.
As part of this year’s World Salt Awareness Week, PAHO is rolling out public education campaigns highlighting the health harms of excess salt and calling for coordinated action across governments, industry, and civil society to protect regional public health. Through this collaborative approach, health leaders aim to cut preventable deaths from hypertension and cardiovascular disease, and build a healthier future for communities across Latin America and the Caribbean.