CAPPA Warns Against Mandatory Bouillon Fortification, Cites Sodium Risks
Mandatory fortification of bouillon cubes could undermine efforts to reduce Nigerians’ exposure to excessive sodium and other unhealthy nutrients.
Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) gave this warning in a statement marking World Heart Day, observed every September 29.
CAPPA said adding vitamins and minerals to ultra-processed products does not make them healthy or offset high levels of sodium, sugar and unhealthy fats.
The organisation, through its Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said Nigeria’s growing consumption and aggressive marketing of ultra-processed foods are contributing to an unhealthy food environment, with children, young people and low-income communities particularly exposed.
CAPPA cited the World Health Organisation’s recommendation that adults consume less than 2,000mg of sodium daily, equivalent to less than 5g of salt, noting that excessive sodium intake is a major risk factor for hypertension, heart disease and stroke.
It also linked high sodium consumption to kidney disease, warning that Nigeria’s limited specialised healthcare capacity makes prevention increasingly important.
CAPPA called on the Federal Government to prioritise sodium reduction, clear front-of-pack warning labels, tighter regulation of unhealthy-food marketing and greater access to affordable, nutritious foods.
“Adding micronutrients to an unhealthy product does not make it healthy,” Akinbode, said, urging policymakers to protect Nigerians from excessive salt, sugar and unhealthy fats while addressing micronutrient deficiencies through evidence-based interventions.
World Heart Day 2026 is themed “Don’t Miss a Beat”, focusing on recognising overlooked signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease early.
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