Paldal-gu Hwaseong Haengung Flavor District Takes on "Healthy Street" Challenge

Paldal-gu (District Chief Yun Geon-mo) is promoting a sodium reduction project targeting approximately 30 restaurants in Hwaseong Haengung Flavor District, which has been designated as a specialized food culture improvement street. This initiative aims to encourage reduced sodium intake as residents' eating patterns have shifted toward more dining out and various adult diseases have increased due to excessive sodium consumption.

According to surveys, Korean citizens consume approximately 4,878mg of sodium daily, which is 2.4 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended daily intake of 2,000mg. Moreover, 50% of sodium intake comes from eating out.

The sodium reduction pilot project, which began in May, distributes salinometers and salinity measurement logs to each establishment. Business owners voluntarily measure and manage sodium levels in two representative menu items per establishment (such as soups and stews).

Additionally, on-site guidance for the sodium reduction pilot project was conducted over four days from the 16th to the 19th, during which public officials and consumer food sanitation inspectors visited approximately 30 establishments. Using portable salinometers, they confirmed trends in sodium levels and encouraged business owners to reduce salinity in their dishes.

Lee Hui-ok, Director of the Environmental Sanitation Division at Paldal-gu, stated, "We will make efforts to improve residents' and restaurant owners' awareness of sodium intake and promote a dignified food culture where people can eat healthily and with peace of mind."