Experts Warn of Hidden Salt in Processed Foods

Health experts and the Kenyan Ministry of Health have raised alarm over the high levels of hidden salt in processed foods sold across supermarket shelves. According to a recent assessment, about 90% of packaged food products in Kenya contain unhealthy amounts of sodium, fat, or sugar — a fact that poses significant risks for non‑communicable diseases like hypertension and kidney disease.
Nutritionists caution that many processed and packaged foods don’t taste salty but still have high sodium content that quietly contributes to daily intake. For example, canned goods, ready meals, and snack foods often pack in salt for preservation and flavor — making it easy for consumers to consume too much without realizing it.
To counter this hidden salt epidemic, the Kenyan government has proposed mandatory front-of-pack warning labels: black-and-white octagonal signs reading High in Salt, High in Sugar, or High in Fat would highlight unhealthy items at a glance.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the aim is to empower consumers with better information and curb the rise of diet-related diseases.
Experts also argue that beyond warning labels, Kenya needs enforceable limits on sodium in processed foods. They point to the growing burden of kidney disease, hypertension, and heart disease as part of a broader push to reduce non-communicable disease rates.