KMA bans open display of salt in chop bars and restaurants to tackle hypertension

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has banned table salt at all public restaurants, eateries, and chop bars within the metropolis as part of efforts to fight the rising rate of hypertension.

According to the Assembly’s research, the area is recording soaring rate of hypertension which is likend to excessive table salt consumption.

The ban follows a study of 156 eateries, which revealed that 62% of them provide table salt, encouraging customers to consume more salt than needed.

KMA’s Public Relations Officer, Henrietta Afia Konadu Aboagye, stated in an interview with OTEC News Reporter Kwame Agyenim Boateng that the ban is effective immediately.

 “We all know how salt contributes to hypertension,” she said, noting that humans need at most five grams of salt daily, but often consume more, leading to health issues.

Aboagye reiterated KMA’s commitment to educating restaurants and eateries on proper food vending habits, warning that companies flouting the directive will face the law.

She thanked partners  like Partnership for Healthy Cities, Blumberg Philanthropist, and Viatal Strategies for their support in this public health initiative.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng