science
WHO Updates SHAKE Technical Package on Sodium Reduction Policies
The World Health Organization launched the second edition of its SHAKE the salt habit package during Salt Awareness Week 2026. Average global sodium intake exceeds twice the recommended limit, contributing to 1.7 million deaths in 2023. The update emphasizes mandatory government policies as countries remain off track for a 30% reduction by 2030.
May 13, 3:27 PM·2m read1 source
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The World Health Organization released the second edition of its SHAKE the salt habit technical package today, during Salt Awareness Week 2026. The update aims to accelerate national efforts to reduce high salt consumption, which most people worldwide cannot control because of their food environments.
Average global sodium intake is estimated to be more than twice the WHO recommended limit of 2000 mg per day, equivalent to 5 g of salt or about one teaspoon.
7 million deaths in 2023. The world remains off track to meet the global sodium reduction target of 30% by 2030. Currently only 28% of the world population live in countries with mandatory sodium reduction policies.
The updated SHAKE package places strong emphasis on mandatory, government-led approaches and a structured programme model. It includes guidance on managing conflicts of interest with the food industry and states that the industry should not set public health policy.
Dr Luz Maria De Regil, Director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety at WHO, said excess salt consumption remains among the top preventable drivers of death globally.
“Excess salt consumption remains among the top preventable drivers of death globally, and implementing mandatory policies to reduce sodium intake is one of the most cost-effective actions countries can take to protect people from cardiovascular disease,” she said.
De Regil added that the updated package equips countries with practical tools. “With the updated SHAKE the salt habit, WHO is equipping countries with practical, evidence-based tools to take decisive, government-led action and prevent millions of deaths each year,” she said.
