Finland-National Salt Reduction Program

It aims to reduce high population-wide salt intake and lower rates of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Method; Information campaigns about salt have been conducted by various stakeholders, including the Finnish Food Safety Authority, nongovernmental organizations and the food industry. Public awareness campaigns related to salt reduction in Finland have taken a variety of forms: introducing mandatory front-of-pack labels warning when foods have high salt content, public education campaigns promoting healthier cooking and eating habits.

Finland had one of the highest rates of heart disease in the world in 1970s. which was strongly linked to high salt intake. The policy emerged from collaboration between Finish government , the National Institute for Health and Welfare, food industry, and NGOs such as the Finnish Heart Association

It is monitored by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). Salt intake is tracked through the national dietary surveys and urine sodium measurements. Food industry compliance with labelling and reformulation is supervised by public health authorities.

Salt content of many processed foods has reduced significantly. Average salt intake has dropped significantly. There has been an approximately 40% decrease in the intake of salt during the past 30 years: levels are now estimated at 7.0 g/day in women and 8.3 g/day in men (53).

https://www.worldactiononsalt.com/worldaction/europe/finland/