Objective
To monitor compliance with national sodium reduction targets for prepackaged foods marketed in Costa Rica, and to compare it with current international standards.
Methods
Nutritional labeling information was collected from products sold in two supermarket chains in 2022. Sodium content (mg/100 g), sodium energy density (mg/kcal), and compliance with national targets for 2022 and with international standards (Pan American Health Organization, 2022 and 2025; World Health Organization, 2021 and 2024) were analyzed. The results were compared with evaluations performed in 2015 and 2018 (p ≤ 0.05). Photographs of the labels used for comparison were obtained in 2015, 2018, and 2022.
Results
A total of 7402 products were registered, of which 872 met the criteria for analysis. The highest sodium levels and greatest variability were observed in condiments (0–32 750 mg/100 g), cured and processed meats (569–4800 mg/100 g), and sauces (0–4050 mg/100 g). Subcategories (stocks, seasonings for rice, ham, sausages, tomato-based sauces, and bread with cheese) exceeded national targets. Bakery products had the lowest sodium levels and the least variability; savory bread and whole wheat bread were within the specified limits. Sodium energy density ranged from 0.8 to 86.0 mg/kcal, with 5 categories exceeding the recommended values. Compliance with national targets was 84.5%; with PAHO recommendations 43.6% and 34.7% (for 2022 and 2025, respectively); and with WHO recommendations 39.2% and 33.3% (for 2021 and 2024, respectively). There were no significant differences between 2022 and the years 2015 and 2018.
Conclusions
There is no evidence of sustained progress in reducing sodium in prepackaged foods in Costa Rica. Mandatory regulatory measures are required to drive improvements in public health.