India
Tamil Nadu Launches Statewide Initiative to Curb Excessive Salt Consumption
Tamil Nadu's Minister for Health and Family Welfare, K.G. Arunraj, informed the State Assembly on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, that the government will roll out a comprehensive, statewide mission aimed at lowering salt intake among residents. Dr. Arunraj highlighted that non-communicable diseases—including hypertension, cardiovascular ailments, stroke, and kidney disorders—remain some of the most pressing public health issues facing the state. He noted that cardiovascular diseases account for nearly 50% of all medically certified deaths in Tamil Nadu, while around 1.8 crore residents currently live with hypertension.
According to the World Health Organization, daily salt consumption should not exceed five grams per person. However, research shows that people in Tamil Nadu consume an average of 7 to 8 grams daily, with roughly 88% of that salt coming from home cooking rather than processed foods, based on findings related to the South Indian diet. Dr. Arunraj pointed to global research demonstrating that cutting daily salt intake by even one gram can meaningfully reduce blood pressure levels. He also cited an international study involving about 21,000 participants, which found that using a low-sodium salt substitute—replacing part of the sodium content with potassium—led to a 14% drop in strokes and a 12% decrease in overall mortality.
Citing this body of evidence, Dr. Arunraj said the state government has decided to design and implement a coordinated strategy to tackle high salt consumption across Tamil Nadu.
As part of the mission, the government will, for the first time, conduct a statewide survey using urine sample analysis to scientifically assess current salt consumption levels among residents. Additionally, new standards will be introduced to gradually cut down salt usage in government-run kitchens, including those under the Nutritious Meal Programme, the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, government hospitals, and hostels.
The government also plans to explore, through a pilot project in select areas, the feasibility of introducing a low-sodium salt substitute that replaces part of the sodium with potassium without significantly altering taste. Under the ‘Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam’ programme and through Health and Wellness Centres, individuals diagnosed with hypertension will receive structured counselling on reducing their salt intake. Furthermore, a statewide awareness campaign will be launched to educate the public about hidden salt content in food and offer practical tips for gradually cutting down on salt use in everyday home cooking.