24,000 die a year in BD due to high-sodium foods

Processed and ultra-processed foods including packaged snacks and processed meat are among the leading contributors to excessive salt intake in Bangladesh, speakers said at an awareness seminar on Wednesday, reports UNB.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), excessive salt consumption causes nearly 1.7 million deaths globally each year. In Bangladesh, high-sodium foods are linked to around 24,000 deaths annually.

The information was shared at a public awareness seminar organised to mark Salt Awareness Week 2026, being observed globally from May 11 to 17 with the slogan, 'Let's reduce salt in our food  together.'

The seminar jointly organised by the BFSA and the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh (NHFB) was held at the conference room of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA).

BFSA Chairman (Additional Secretary) Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar chaired the event. Director General of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection Faruk Ahmed attended as chief guest, while BFSA member Prof Dr Mohammad Shoaib also addressed the programme.