Salt reduction in Latin America : a regional social marketing and communication plan

Teams from four Latin American countries (Brazil, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Peru) identified social marketing as an approach to combat excessive sodium consumption, which is often double the recommended intake. This report translates research insights identified by each country into a series of creative concepts and communication strategies towards decreasing demand for salt and high sodium ingredients used in household food preparation and consumption. Salt reduction efforts must include changes to the environment that make it easier for a population to consume less salt. Social marketing can be used to generate demand for alternatives, and also aim at influencing the policy environment

Reducción de sal en América Latina : plan regional de mercadeo social y comunicación

Versión en inglés disponible en la Biblioteca Digital del IDR

The salt content of products from popular fast-food chains in Costa Rica

AbstractSalt is a major determinant of population blood pressure levels. Salt intake in Costa Rica is above levels required for good health. With an increasing number of Costa Ricans visiting fast food restaurants, it is likely that fast-food is contributing to daily salt intake. Salt content data from seven popular fast food chains in Costa Rica were collected in January 2013. Products were classified into 10 categories. Mean salt content was compared between chains and categories. Statistical analysis was performed using Welch ANOVA and Tukey–Kramer HSD tests. Significant differences were found between companies; Subway products had lowest mean salt content (0.97 g/100 g; p < 0.05) while Popeye's and KFC had the highest (1.57 g/100 g; p < 0.05). Significant variations in mean salt content were observed between categories. Salads had a mean salt content of 0.45 g/100 g while sauces had 2.16 g/100 g (p < 0.05). Wide variation in salt content was also seen within food categories. Salt content in sandwiches ranged from 0.5 to 2.1 g/100 g. The high levels and wide variation in salt content of fast food products in Costa Rica suggest that salt reduction is likely to be technically feasible in many cases. With an increasing number of consumers purchasing fast foods, even small improvements in salt levels could produce important health gains

Protocol for FLIP pilot study

This protocol includes a training guide to assist researchers in cataloguing food ingredients through use of the Food Label Information Program (FLIP) interface and database. It includes steps for downloading the “Food Collector App” which can scan information (including both text and image) on food labels. A step by step process is outlined for entering the data for compilation and analysis. Examples are provided for tinned food such as fruit and vegetables, and dry food packaging such as cereals

An evaluation of the sodium content and compliance with the national sodium reduction targets among packaged foods sold in Costa Rica in 2015 and 2018

Results of the study demonstrate the feasibility of reducing sodium content in packaged foods in Costa Rica. More work is needed to continually support a gradual reduction of sodium in packaged foods, including more stringent sodium targets. Compliance with the national sodium targets among all foods increased from 80% in 2015 to 87% in 2018. A significant reduction in mean sodium content was found in only 3 of the 19 subcategories of packaged food (cakes, tomato-based sauces, and tomato paste)

Contenido de azúcares en bebidas no alcohólicas comercializadas en Argentina y Costa Rica

Resumen en inglés incluidoINTRODUCCIÓN: El consumo de bebidas azucaradas está vinculado con un mayor riesgo de obesidad. OBJETIVOS: Comparar el contenido de azúcares declarado en el etiquetado nutricional de diferentes bebidas no alcohólicas comercializadas en Argentina y Costa Rica. MÉTODOS: Se recogieron datos de azúcares reportados en 13 categorías de bebidas no alcohólicas comercializadas en supermercados en 2012 y 2013. En ambos países se calculó la media de azúcares en una porción estándar de 200 ml. RESULTADOS: Dentro de las bebidas no alcohólicas comercializadas en Argentina (n=287) y Costa Rica (n=495) predominaron las azucaradas (77,6%), de las cuales la mayoría (56%; n=435) mostró contenidos de azúcares por encima del 20% del valor diario recomendado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Costa Rica presentó en promedio niveles superiores a los de Argentina. Las categorías con mayor contenido de azúcares en Costa Rica fueron: néctares (24,7 g/200 ml), jugos de fruta (22,5 g/200 ml) y gaseosas regulares (22,5 g/200 ml). En Argentina, gaseosas regulares (20,9 g/200 ml), jugos de fruta (18,5 g/200 ml) y bebidas a base de soja (14,9 g/200 ml). CONCLUSIONES: Este es el primer estudio que analiza y compara el contenido de azúcares de bebidas no alcohólicas en dos países latinoamericanos. El alto contenido observado y la elevada prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en la región evidencian la necesidad de establecer políticas públicas para reducir el consumo de bebidas azucaradas.INTRODUCTION: The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with an increased risk of obesity. OBJECTIVES: To compare the sugar content on food labels of different non-alcoholic beverages marketed in Argentina and Costa Rica. METHODS: Sugar data were collected from 13 categories of non- alcoholic beverages available in supermarkets in 2012 and 2013. Mean sugar levels were calculated in both countries, considering a standard serving of 200 ml. RESULTS: Among non-alcoholic beverages available in Argentina (n=287) and Costa Rica (n=495), sugar-sweetened ones were predominant (77.6%). The majority of them (56%; n=435) had sugar contents that were over 20% of the daily intake recommended by the World Health Organization. Costa Rica showed average levels higher than Argentina. The categories with the highest sugar content in Costa Rica were nectars (24.7 g/200 ml), fruit juices (22.5 g/200 ml) and regular soft drinks (22.5 g/200 ml); in Argentina, regular soft drinks (20.9 g/200 ml), fruit juices (18.5 g/200 ml) and soy-based drinks (14.9 g/200 ml). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first analysis and comparison of sugar content in non-alcoholic beverages in two Latin American countries. The high sugar content found in soft drinks and the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in the region show the need to implement public health policies to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages

Impact of salt intake reduction on CVD mortality in Costa Rica : a scenario modelling study

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent the leading cause of death in Costa Rica, and high blood pressure was associated with a mortality rate of 29% (2018). The Preventable Risk Integrated ModEl (PRIME) was used to estimate the number of deaths that would be averted or delayed in the Costa Rican population by following the national and international guidelines to reduce salt consumption. Two scenarios drawn in this study predict the highest percentages of deaths prevented or postponed, by type of CVD: Coronary heart disease (39% and 38%), Hypertensive disease (32% and 33%) and Stroke (22% in both)