Hidden salts in packed food products pose health risks, such as high blood pressure and heart disease, warns the Ministry of Health and Prevention. Excessive salt intake can lead to various diseases, highlighting the need to reduce salt consumption for better overall health. To address this issue, MoHAP launched a seven-day campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of hidden salt and its effects on community health. The initiative aims to educate the public on healthier cooking alternatives, the negative impacts of salt, and how to choose low-salt food products.
The campaign focuses on promoting healthier eating habits by reducing salt intake and selecting low-salt food options. It aligns with the ministry’s strategy to enhance the quality of healthy living and raise awareness about nutritious eating practices. Activities included workshops on healthy alternatives and reading food labels, as well as collaborations with Union Coop, Choithrams, Liwa Gate, and Ajman Markets Cooperation to educate the community about the risks of high salt consumption. Practical skills for preparing low-salt recipes were also provided through instructional videos.
In addition, social media quizzes were organized to engage participants and encourage them to share their healthy meal creations, fostering a culture of wellness within the community. Nouf Khamis Al Ali, director of the Health Promotion Department at MoHAP, emphasized the importance of the campaign in promoting healthy eating and enhancing quality of life through educational workshops and social media materials. The goal is to inspire community members to improve their eating habits, equip them with knowledge on salt substitutes, and provide practical advice on reducing salt intake, ultimately encouraging healthy dietary practices among all segments of society.