CONSUMER BEHAVIOR RELATED TO SALT INTAKE IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Abstract

The objective of the study was to emphasize the consumers’ attitude regarding the salt intake in Republic of Moldova. The Government of the Republic of Moldova has committed itself to reducing salt consumption at the national level among the population by 2020 to less than 8 g per day (a 30% reduction). This objective is provided in the National Action Plan for 2016-2020 and the National Program in the field of Food and Nutrition 2014 - 2020. The actions are part of the National Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases. Data collection was conducted in the period January 2020 and June 2020 through a questionnaire concerning this issue. The main objectives of the study were to identify foods that lead to high sodium intake in the adult population and to analyze practices, attitudes, behaviour and knowledge about salt consumption. It has been found that citizens consume excessive amounts of salt. About 90% of respondents are aware that excess intake of salt is associated with the incidence of adverse health conditions, more than 54% indicated they were trying to reduce their current intake of salt, and only 26% of respondents claimed to know the existence of a recommended maximum value of salt or sodium intake. The high salt intake is mostly caused by the consumption of highly processed food as meat, cheese, bread or preserved vegetables. Additional effort by providing information is required to increase consumers’ knowledge about the effect of salt on health status, about products with a high salt content, and about the limit for salt intake.