Did you know? Sodium reduction in processed foods is no longer optional. It is a critical step for industry players to safeguard consumer health and meet Health Canada’s 2025 targets. Too much sodium raises blood pressure and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are among the leading causes of death in Canada.
In December 2020, Health Canada introduced voluntary sales-weighted average (SWA) sodium targets for nine processed food categories and continues to measure progress through interim assessments. The latest report sampled 1,283 products between October 2023 and July 2024, revealing that while some categories have made headway, overall progress remains modest.
Keep reading to learn more about how your business can align with Health Canada’s targets and improve compliance outcomes.
Why sodium reduction matters
High sodium intake contributes to hypertension, affecting roughly one in four Canadian adults and elevating the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Because over 75% of dietary sodium comes from processed and prepared foods, reformulation is key to lowering population-level intake and reducing healthcare costs. By meeting SWA targets, you not only support public health but also demonstrate leadership in responsible manufacturing.
Interim results at a glance
The interim assessment shows varied progress across categories. Hearth breads led the way, reaching about 40% of the reduction needed to meet the 2025 SWA target. In contrast, pizza crusts and tomato sauces recorded increases in sodium levels since the 2017 baseline. Below is a summary of progress by category:
Food category | Progress toward 2025 target (%) |
Hearth bread | 40.3 |
White bread | 18.5 |
Bread with savoury additions | 15.3 |
Processed cheese products | 15.3 |
Ready-to-serve soups | 6.2 |
Whole wheat and mixed grain bread | -7.6 |
Ready-to-eat cereals | -19.2 |
Tomato sauce | -26.4 |
Pizza crust | -57.6 |
Common challenges for the industry
Manufacturers often face multiple hurdles when reducing sodium. Salt contributes to flavour, texture, and shelf life, and reducing it by more than 15 to 20% at once can affect product quality and consumer acceptance. Lower sodium levels also require adjustments in processing to maintain microbial safety, leading some businesses to delay or slow reformulation efforts.
Practical steps to meet targets
If your product portfolio still exceeds the SWA or maximum level targets, consider these actions:
- Audit your sodium levels. Compare each SKU’s sodium content per 100 g against the 2025 SWA and maximum level targets.
- Prioritize high-volume SKUs. Focus reformulation efforts on best-selling items to maximize impact on overall averages.
- Implement gradual reductions. Aim for incremental decreases of 5 to 10% at a time to maintain taste and safety while allowing consumers to adapt.
- Communicate transparently. Highlight sodium reductions on packaging and in marketing materials and explain the health benefits to consumers.
- Leverage expert support. Partner with regulatory compliance specialists who can guide formulation changes, testing protocols, and labelling requirements.
By following these steps, you position your products to meet Health Canada’s endpoints and gain a competitive edge.
Frequently asked questions
What if my products still exceed the 2025 targets?
Failing to meet voluntary targets will not trigger immediate penalties. However, slow progress may invite increased scrutiny under the Healthy Eating Strategy and erode consumer trust. Acting now minimizes risk if targets become mandatory in the future.
Are these targets mandatory?
No, current targets remain voluntary. Yet Health Canada’s ongoing monitoring signals a potential move toward enforcement. Companies that adapt early will face fewer surprises.
Where can I find the full interim assessment?
You can review the complete interim assessment, including detailed tables and methodology, by visiting the Health Canada’s website.
Conclusion
Although the industry has made some strides in sodium reduction, the interim results show much work remains to meet the 2025 SWA targets. By auditing your products, prioritizing popular SKUs, and adopting gradual reformulation, you can achieve compliance and strengthen your brand’s reputation for health-focused innovation.
Contact us to connect with Quality Smart Solutions’ regulatory compliance experts and design a sodium reduction roadmap that aligns with Health Canada’s guidelines.
