SODIUM CONTENT IN COMMONLY CONSUMED AWAY-FROM-HOME FOOD IN THREE AREAS OF METROPOLITAN LIMA, PERU

The aim of this study was to characterize the sodium content in commonly consumed away-from-home food in three areas of Metropolitan Lima. We conducted a cross-sectional study, in which twenty frequently consumed foods were identified according to the place of sale. Sodium content was determined through atomic absorption spectroscopy in preparations collected in 2019. The median sodium content in street food products was 492.36 mg/100g (IQR: 83.93 – 918.78), 471.37 mg/100 g in artisanal food (IQR: 76.04 – 765.39) and 471.06 mg/100 g in fast food (IQR: 115.31 – 695.18). Sixty-five percent of the foods were classified as having high sodium content according to Peruvian regulations, while 30% of the preparations had high sodium content, according to UK parameters. Most food sold and consumed away from home have high sodium content. It is essential to engage all stakeholders involved in food preparation for away-from-home consumption in order to raise awareness and involve them in the promotion of policies aimed at reducing sodium intake.