Abstract Introduction Excessive sodium intake is a well-established risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Processed foods (PFs) and ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become a primary source of dietary sodium, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) undergoing rapid nutritional transitions. Bangladesh is experiencing an increasing prevalence of hypertension, paralleling the rising consumption of PF and UPF. Purpose This study analyzes the sodium levels in commonly consumed PFs and UPFs, evaluates their compliance with WHO sodium benchmarks, and investigates discrepancies between labelled and laboratory-measured sodium content to inform CVD prevention strategies. Methods A cross-sectional, population-based survey was conducted across eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh, including metropolitan, urban, and rural areas. 974 participants were surveyed to determine consumption patterns. Commonly consumed PF and UPFs were identified and collected for laboratory sodium analysis using Mohr’s titration method. Sodium content was compared against the WHO South-East Asia Regional Sodium Benchmarks. Labelled discrepancies were analyzed, with a deviation of 20% considered non-compliant. Sodium intake was estimated relative to WHO guidelines. Results Among 974 participants surveyed, 50% were female, 25% were adolescents, 25% were children, and 50% were adults. The prevalence of PF and UPF consumption was high (97%), with urban (99%) exceeding rural (94%). Children consumed 21 times per week, adolescents 16, and adults 11 times. Sodium analysis of 16 major food categories showed significant variations, with instant soups (3149.6 mg/100g), instant noodles (1515.8 mg/100g), and pickles (1378.6 mg/100g) having the highest sodium content. Soft drinks had the lowest (5.9 mg/100g). Compliance with WHO Southeast Asia region sodium benchmark for packaged foods varied widely, with 80% of instant noodles and 62.5% of crackers/savoury biscuits meeting the targets. In contrast, extruded snacks, nuts, seeds, kernels, and dry soups showed no compliance. One serving of instant noodles contributed 50%, and instant soup covered one-third of WHO’s daily sodium limit. Among products analyzed, 42% under-reported sodium content beyond the 20% deviation threshold, while 8.6% provided no sodium information, and only 26% adhered to accurate labeling. Conclusions This study highlights a critical epidemiological concern regarding excessive sodium intake from PFs and UPFs and the inaccuracy of sodium labelling, both posing significant CVD risks in Bangladesh. Despite the 2017 Packaged Food Labelling Regulation, compliance is poor, highlighting the urgent need for stronger policy enforcement, sodium reduction strategies, public health awareness, and improved surveillance to reduce diet-related CVD burdens in LMICs. Disable Ginger in this text fieldDisable Ginger on this website×
Afroza et al. (Sat,) studied this question.