Küsimustik
| Dokumendiregister | Sotsiaalministeerium |
| Viit | 1.4-2/1534-1 |
| Registreeritud | 15.06.2026 |
| Sünkroonitud | 16.06.2026 |
| Liik | Sissetulev kiri |
| Funktsioon | 1.4 EL otsustusprotsess ja rahvusvaheline koostöö |
| Sari | 1.4-2 Rahvusvahelise koostöö korraldamisega seotud kirjavahetus (Arhiiviväärtuslik) |
| Toimik | 1.4-2/2026 |
| Juurdepääsupiirang | Avalik |
| Adressaat | The George Institute for Global Health |
| Saabumis/saatmisviis | The George Institute for Global Health |
| Vastutaja | Brigitta Õunmaa (Sotsiaalministeerium, Kantsleri vastutusvaldkond, Terviseala asekantsleri vastutusvaldkond, Rahvatervishoiu osakond) |
| Originaal | Ava uues aknas |
Failid
By completing this questionnaire, you consent for the information provided in this questionnaire to be used for research.
Name of country:
Estonia
YOUR NAME, ORGANISATION and POSITION:
YOUR CONTACT DETAILS:
Email:
☐ Please tick this box if you wish to receive a copy of the results
Please answer the following questions as accurately as possible or if you prefer, please attach the relevant documents and web links that provides answers to the questions.
All Information obtained prior to 2019 had been prefilled.
1. National salt reduction initiatives
1. Is there or has there previously been any program, policy or initiative designed to reduce population levels of salt/sodium intake in your country? This includes initiatives led by government, industry, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or any other agency, and may include any of the following: regulation, product reformulation, labelling, consumer awareness/ education, dietary target development, strategy development, monitoring/surveillance, research etc.
☐ YES (continue question 1)
☐ NO (go to question 2)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 1)
Name of initiative:
Time frame:
Is there a national target for dietary salt intake?
☒ YES
☐ NO
☐ PLANNED
….…...If YES, what is the target? According to the national FBDG: 5g/day for women, up to 6g/day for men
Who is the lead agency of the national salt reduction initiative?
☒ Government
☐ NGO
☐ Food Industry
☐ Other, please specify: ….…...
Is the initiative part of a broader program?
☒ YES
☐ NO, the initiative is a salt specific program
Are there any non-governmental or health organizations advocating for salt reduction in the country?
☐ YES
☒ NO
2. Population salt intake
2A. Has any work been done to measure levels of salt/sodium intake in your country?
☐ YES (continue question 2)
☐ NO (go to question 3)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 2)
2B. Has any work been done to estimate the dietary sources of salt/sodium in your country?
☐ YES please provide link or report name ….…...
OR complete the table below
☐ NO please roughly estimate the major sources of salt in the table below
☐ PLANNED please roughly estimate the major sources of salt in the table below
3. Salt levels in foods or meals
Has any work been done to determine the salt/sodium levels in foods or meals?
☐ YES (continue question 3)
☐ NO (go to question 4)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 3)
4. Consumer knowledge, attitudes and behaviour
Has any work been done to determine consumer knowledge, attitude and behaviour (KAB) in relation to salt/sodium?
☐ YES (continue question 4)
☐ NO (go to question 5)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 4)
Year
Method (focus group, survey)
Improvements in consumer KAB demonstrated
Please provide details on all the measurements of consumer knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in relation to salt in the country (Insert additional rows if needed)
☒ Survey
☐ Focus group
☐ Other
☐ YES
☐ NO
☐ N/A
☐ Survey
☐ Focus group
☐ Other
☐ YES
☐ NO
☐ N/A
☐ Survey
☐ Focus group
☐ Other
☐ YES
☐ NO
☐ N/A
Has any work been done to determine consumer knowledge, attitude and behaviour (KAB) in relation to potassium-enriched salt (also known as salt substitutes or lower-sodium salt)?
☐ YES (continue question 4)
☐ NO (go to question 5)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 4)
Year
Method (focus group, survey)
Improvements in consumer KAB demonstrated
Please provide details on all the measurements of consumer knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in relation to salt in the country (Insert additional rows if needed)
☐ Survey
☐ Focus group
☐ Other
☐ YES
☐ NO
☐ N/A
☐ Survey
☐ Focus group
☐ Other
☐ YES
☐ NO
☐ N/A
5. Implementation strategies
5A. ENGAGEMENT WITH INDUSTRY & REFORMULATION
Does your strategy include work with industry to achieve salt/sodium reduction in foods?
☐ YES (continue question 5a)
☐ NO (go to question 5b)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 5a)
Name of initiative & year implemented
Agency/organization taking the lead to engage industry
☐ Government
☐ NGO
☐ Industry
☐ Other, please specify: ….…...
Is the approach voluntary or mandatory?
☐ Voluntary
☐ Mandatory for all food categories (eg maximum salt content in food)
☐ Mandatory for certain food categories such as …………….
Approach to work with industry
☐ Meetings with companies
☐ Voluntary commitments to salt reduction from companies
☐ Cross-sectoral agreements to salt reduction (e.g. all bread manufacturers)
☐ Targets for salt levels in foods
☐ Taxation for high salt products
☐ Substituting regular salt (sodium chloride) with potassium-enriched salt/potassium chloride
☐ Other, please specify …………….
If salt reduction targets have been used, which food categories have reformulation targets:
☐ Breads
☐ Processed meats
☐ Convenience/Ready meals
☐ Breakfast cereals
☐ Cheeses
☐ Butter and margarines
☐ Salty snacks
☐ Biscuits and cakes
☐ Soups and Sauces,
☐ Other, please specify …………….
5B. CONSUMER EDUCATION/ BEHAVIOUR CHANGE
Does your strategy include activities to raise awareness/change behaviour on salt/sodium?
☐ YES (continue question 5b)
☐ NO (go to question 5c)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 5b)
Name of initiative & year implemented
Agency / organization taking the lead
Approach
Awareness campaign to reduce salt intake, planned every year started in 2010
☒ Government
☐ NGO
☐ Industry
☐ Other, please specify: ….…...
☐ Social marketing (e.g. campaigns)
☐ TV advertising
☐ Events
☒ Other, please specify: ….…...
using internet and social media
☐ Government
☐ NGO
☐ Industry
☐ Other, please specify: ….…...
☐ Social marketing (e.g. campaigns)
☐ TV advertising
☐ Events
☐ Other, please specify: ….…...
☐ Government
☐ NGO
☐ Industry
☐ Other, please specify: ….…...
☐ Social marketing (e.g. campaigns)
☐ TV advertising
☐ Events
☐ Other, please specify: ….…...
5C. NUTRITION LABELLING ON PACKAGED FOODS
Is it mandatory that packaged foods display the sodium or salt content as part of the nutrition information panel in your country? (Example of nutrition information panel shown below)
☐ YES (continue question 5c)
☐ NO (continue question 5c)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 5c)
Has your country introduced front of pack nutrition labels to indicate the nutritional or salt/sodium content of food? Front of pack labels on packaged foods aim to provide consumers with simplified, easy-to-understand nutrition information to help them make healthier choices
☐ YES (continue question 5c)
☐ NO (continue question 5c)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 5c)
Name of initiative and year implemented
Agency / organization taking the lead
☐ Government ☐ Industry ☐ NGO ☐ Other
Approach/ type of label (Please tick all that are applicable)
Rating or lights
Example:
Nutrient-specific Warning label
Example:
Percent daily intake
Example:
Health Logo/Positive summary symbol
Example:
Other, please specify:
☐
☐
☐
☐
Is the corresponding approach voluntary or mandatory?
☐ Voluntary
☐ Mandatory for all food categories
☐ Mandatory for certain food categories such as …………….
☐ Voluntary
☐ Mandatory for all food categories
☐ Mandatory for certain food categories such as …………….
☐ Voluntary
☐ Mandatory for all food categories
☐ Mandatory for certain food categories such as …………….
☐ Voluntary
☐ Mandatory for all food categories
☐ Mandatory for certain food categories such as …………….
☐ Voluntary
☐ Mandatory for all food categories
☐ Mandatory for certain food categories such as …………….
Does your country have any type of front-of-pack labels (voluntary or mandatory) for other nutrients (energy, saturated fat, sugar, etc)?
☐ YES (continue question 5c)
☐ NO (go to question 5d)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 5c)
Nutrient
Approach (voluntary of mandatory)
Type of label (traffic light label, health logo, warning label, percent daily intake, etc - please list all that are applicable)
5D. WORK IN SPECIFIC SETTINGS
Does the strategy include initiatives on salt/sodium in particular settings such as schools, hospitals or workplaces? Examples of strategies in settings can include:
A – Mandatory food procurement policy
B – Voluntary guidelines
C – Education
D – Menu labelling
E – Toolkit/implementation guide/support
F – Achievement/accreditation program
G – Others (please specify)
☐ YES (continue question 5d)
☐ NO (go to question 5e)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 5d)
Setting
Name and description of initiative & year implemented
Components of initiatives in particular settings (please indicate the letter/s from choices above for each setting)
☒ Schools
☒ Hospitals
☐ The workplaces
☐ Government facilities/offices
☐ Food eaten away from home e.g. food outlets, restaurants, fast food chains
☐ Others, please specify ….…...
5E. POTASSIUM-ENRICHED SALT SUBSTITUTES
Does your country have a national program, policy or initiative that promotes the switch to the use of potassium-enriched salt (also known as salt substitutes or lower-sodium salt)?
☐ YES (continue question 5e)
☐ NO (go to question 6)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 5e)
Name of initiative & year implemented
Agency / organization taking the lead
☐ Government ☐ Industry ☐ NGO ☐ Other
Approach
☐ Education or behaviour change strategies promoting the switch to potassium-enriched salt
☐ Commercially available for consumers to purchase from shops
☐ Recommended through health practitioners for those with pre-hypertension or hypertension
☐ Recommended to food manufacturers as a method to lower sodium content in food products (food reformulation)
☐ Food procurement and service policies that promote the switch to potassium-enriched salt
☐ Food and nutrition labelling policies that promote or relate to potassium-enriched salt
☐ Other, please specify
6. Evaluation of salt/sodium reduction strategy
Has your country done any work to evaluate the effectiveness of the salt/sodium reduction strategy or any component of the strategy, in addition to monitoring salt intake, salt levels and consumer KAB? (This can also include process evaluation or economic evaluation)
☐ YES (continue question 6)
☐ NO (go to question 7)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 6)
For each evaluation, please specify:
(please copy and paste the table below as needed, one table per evaluation)
Year evaluated
Evaluation approach
Results
(Has it had an impact?)
Has a cost-effective analysis been undertaken?
☐ YES ☐ NO ☐ PLANNED
What was the result of the cost-effectiveness assessment?
7. National initiatives to increase iodine and potassium intake
7A. Is there or has there previously been any program, policy or initiative designed to eliminate iodine deficiency in your country?
☐ YES, in coordination with the salt reduction strategy (continue question 7A)
☐ YES, but NOT in coordination with the salt reduction strategy (continue question 7A)
☐ NO (go to question 7B)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 7A)
Name of initiative & year implemented
Agency / organization taking the lead
☐ Government ☐ Industry ☐ NGO ☐ Other
Contact name and email: ….…...
Population approaches taken
☐ Universal salt iodization (mandatory iodization of all salt for human consumption)
☐ Mandatory iodized salt use in certain foods or beverages
☐ Voluntary salt iodization
☐ Other, please specify: ….…...
Approaches taken to integrate salt reduction and iodine deficiency elimination programs
☐ Integrated communication/education for example: “eat less salt and only iodized”
☐ Monitor salt and iodine intake concurrently (through urine or dietary survey)
☐ Adapt iodine levels in salt as salt intake decreases
☐ None yet
☐ Other, please specify: ….…...
Please attach any documents and website links relevant to the questions.
THANK YOU FOR COMPLETING THIS QUESTIONNAIRE. We value your time. Please send the completed questionnaire and relevant documents to Monica Hu [[email protected]]
Saatja: Monica Hu <[email protected]>
Saadetud: teisipäev, 9. juuni 2026 22:18
Adressaat: Karmen Joller - SOM <[email protected]>
Koopia: Kathy Trieu <[email protected]>
Teema: Request for Input: Salt Reduction Initiatives in Estonia (Updated 2026 Review)
|
Tähelepanu!
Tegemist on välisvõrgust saabunud kirjaga. |
Good morning,
We are writing to you regarding the national salt reduction initiative in Estonia to kindly request your assistance in completing the attached questionnaire.
The George Institute for Global Health at the University of New South Wales (Sydney) is currently updating our paper, Salt Reduction Initiatives Around the World (2021) (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33693460/). This review aims to provide a comprehensive global overview of national salt reduction initiatives and to assess countries’ progress towards international targets.
Participation in this study is voluntary. We are inviting individuals who are or have been involved in the development or implementation of national salt reduction strategies. If you choose not to participate, this will not affect your relationship with UNSW or The George Institute.
To ensure we capture the most accurate and up-to-date information, we would be grateful if you could review the pre-filled questionnaire and:
- Confirm and update any existing information where needed;
- Complete any sections where information is missing; and
- Provide any relevant documents or links where possible.
The questionnaire should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. By returning the completed questionnaire, you consent to the use of the information for research purposes by The George Institute for Global Health.
This study has been approved by the UNSW Human Research Ethics Committee (iRECS8148). If you have any concerns, you may contact [email protected] or +61 2 9385 6222, quoting the approval number.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, or if there is a more appropriate contact we should approach.
We would greatly appreciate your response by 10 July, if possible. Thank you very much for your time and support.
Best wishes,
Monica Hu
PhD Candidate, Food Policy
The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW
Kathy Trieu
Director, WHO Collaborating Centre on Population Salt Reduction
|
Monica Hu |
|
PhD Candidate, Food Policy |
|
Explore how our research is changing lives – view our Impact Report |
|
The George Institute for Global Health | Australia |
|
L8, Health Translation Hub, 55 Botany Street Randwick NSW 2031 |
|
PO Box 6366 UNSW SYDNEY NSW 1466 |
|
|
|
We are proud to work in partnership with UNSW Sydney, Imperial College London and the Manipal Academy of Higher Education |
|
The George Institute acknowledges the Bidjigal and Gadigal Peoples as Traditional Custodians of the lands on which the Australia office is situated. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. |
By completing this questionnaire, you consent for the information provided in this questionnaire to be used for research.
Name of country:
Estonia
YOUR NAME, ORGANISATION and POSITION:
YOUR CONTACT DETAILS:
Email:
☐ Please tick this box if you wish to receive a copy of the results
Please answer the following questions as accurately as possible or if you prefer, please attach the relevant documents and web links that provides answers to the questions.
All Information obtained prior to 2019 had been prefilled.
1. National salt reduction initiatives
1. Is there or has there previously been any program, policy or initiative designed to reduce population levels of salt/sodium intake in your country? This includes initiatives led by government, industry, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or any other agency, and may include any of the following: regulation, product reformulation, labelling, consumer awareness/ education, dietary target development, strategy development, monitoring/surveillance, research etc.
☐ YES (continue question 1)
☐ NO (go to question 2)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 1)
Name of initiative:
Time frame:
Is there a national target for dietary salt intake?
☒ YES
☐ NO
☐ PLANNED
….…...If YES, what is the target? According to the national FBDG: 5g/day for women, up to 6g/day for men
Who is the lead agency of the national salt reduction initiative?
☒ Government
☐ NGO
☐ Food Industry
☐ Other, please specify: ….…...
Is the initiative part of a broader program?
☒ YES
☐ NO, the initiative is a salt specific program
Are there any non-governmental or health organizations advocating for salt reduction in the country?
☐ YES
☒ NO
2. Population salt intake
2A. Has any work been done to measure levels of salt/sodium intake in your country?
☐ YES (continue question 2)
☐ NO (go to question 3)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 2)
2B. Has any work been done to estimate the dietary sources of salt/sodium in your country?
☐ YES please provide link or report name ….…...
OR complete the table below
☐ NO please roughly estimate the major sources of salt in the table below
☐ PLANNED please roughly estimate the major sources of salt in the table below
3. Salt levels in foods or meals
Has any work been done to determine the salt/sodium levels in foods or meals?
☐ YES (continue question 3)
☐ NO (go to question 4)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 3)
4. Consumer knowledge, attitudes and behaviour
Has any work been done to determine consumer knowledge, attitude and behaviour (KAB) in relation to salt/sodium?
☐ YES (continue question 4)
☐ NO (go to question 5)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 4)
Year
Method (focus group, survey)
Improvements in consumer KAB demonstrated
Please provide details on all the measurements of consumer knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in relation to salt in the country (Insert additional rows if needed)
☒ Survey
☐ Focus group
☐ Other
☐ YES
☐ NO
☐ N/A
☐ Survey
☐ Focus group
☐ Other
☐ YES
☐ NO
☐ N/A
☐ Survey
☐ Focus group
☐ Other
☐ YES
☐ NO
☐ N/A
Has any work been done to determine consumer knowledge, attitude and behaviour (KAB) in relation to potassium-enriched salt (also known as salt substitutes or lower-sodium salt)?
☐ YES (continue question 4)
☐ NO (go to question 5)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 4)
Year
Method (focus group, survey)
Improvements in consumer KAB demonstrated
Please provide details on all the measurements of consumer knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in relation to salt in the country (Insert additional rows if needed)
☐ Survey
☐ Focus group
☐ Other
☐ YES
☐ NO
☐ N/A
☐ Survey
☐ Focus group
☐ Other
☐ YES
☐ NO
☐ N/A
5. Implementation strategies
5A. ENGAGEMENT WITH INDUSTRY & REFORMULATION
Does your strategy include work with industry to achieve salt/sodium reduction in foods?
☐ YES (continue question 5a)
☐ NO (go to question 5b)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 5a)
Name of initiative & year implemented
Agency/organization taking the lead to engage industry
☐ Government
☐ NGO
☐ Industry
☐ Other, please specify: ….…...
Is the approach voluntary or mandatory?
☐ Voluntary
☐ Mandatory for all food categories (eg maximum salt content in food)
☐ Mandatory for certain food categories such as …………….
Approach to work with industry
☐ Meetings with companies
☐ Voluntary commitments to salt reduction from companies
☐ Cross-sectoral agreements to salt reduction (e.g. all bread manufacturers)
☐ Targets for salt levels in foods
☐ Taxation for high salt products
☐ Substituting regular salt (sodium chloride) with potassium-enriched salt/potassium chloride
☐ Other, please specify …………….
If salt reduction targets have been used, which food categories have reformulation targets:
☐ Breads
☐ Processed meats
☐ Convenience/Ready meals
☐ Breakfast cereals
☐ Cheeses
☐ Butter and margarines
☐ Salty snacks
☐ Biscuits and cakes
☐ Soups and Sauces,
☐ Other, please specify …………….
5B. CONSUMER EDUCATION/ BEHAVIOUR CHANGE
Does your strategy include activities to raise awareness/change behaviour on salt/sodium?
☐ YES (continue question 5b)
☐ NO (go to question 5c)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 5b)
Name of initiative & year implemented
Agency / organization taking the lead
Approach
Awareness campaign to reduce salt intake, planned every year started in 2010
☒ Government
☐ NGO
☐ Industry
☐ Other, please specify: ….…...
☐ Social marketing (e.g. campaigns)
☐ TV advertising
☐ Events
☒ Other, please specify: ….…...
using internet and social media
☐ Government
☐ NGO
☐ Industry
☐ Other, please specify: ….…...
☐ Social marketing (e.g. campaigns)
☐ TV advertising
☐ Events
☐ Other, please specify: ….…...
☐ Government
☐ NGO
☐ Industry
☐ Other, please specify: ….…...
☐ Social marketing (e.g. campaigns)
☐ TV advertising
☐ Events
☐ Other, please specify: ….…...
5C. NUTRITION LABELLING ON PACKAGED FOODS
Is it mandatory that packaged foods display the sodium or salt content as part of the nutrition information panel in your country? (Example of nutrition information panel shown below)
☐ YES (continue question 5c)
☐ NO (continue question 5c)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 5c)
Has your country introduced front of pack nutrition labels to indicate the nutritional or salt/sodium content of food? Front of pack labels on packaged foods aim to provide consumers with simplified, easy-to-understand nutrition information to help them make healthier choices
☐ YES (continue question 5c)
☐ NO (continue question 5c)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 5c)
Name of initiative and year implemented
Agency / organization taking the lead
☐ Government ☐ Industry ☐ NGO ☐ Other
Approach/ type of label (Please tick all that are applicable)
Rating or lights
Example:
Nutrient-specific Warning label
Example:
Percent daily intake
Example:
Health Logo/Positive summary symbol
Example:
Other, please specify:
☐
☐
☐
☐
Is the corresponding approach voluntary or mandatory?
☐ Voluntary
☐ Mandatory for all food categories
☐ Mandatory for certain food categories such as …………….
☐ Voluntary
☐ Mandatory for all food categories
☐ Mandatory for certain food categories such as …………….
☐ Voluntary
☐ Mandatory for all food categories
☐ Mandatory for certain food categories such as …………….
☐ Voluntary
☐ Mandatory for all food categories
☐ Mandatory for certain food categories such as …………….
☐ Voluntary
☐ Mandatory for all food categories
☐ Mandatory for certain food categories such as …………….
Does your country have any type of front-of-pack labels (voluntary or mandatory) for other nutrients (energy, saturated fat, sugar, etc)?
☐ YES (continue question 5c)
☐ NO (go to question 5d)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 5c)
Nutrient
Approach (voluntary of mandatory)
Type of label (traffic light label, health logo, warning label, percent daily intake, etc - please list all that are applicable)
5D. WORK IN SPECIFIC SETTINGS
Does the strategy include initiatives on salt/sodium in particular settings such as schools, hospitals or workplaces? Examples of strategies in settings can include:
A – Mandatory food procurement policy
B – Voluntary guidelines
C – Education
D – Menu labelling
E – Toolkit/implementation guide/support
F – Achievement/accreditation program
G – Others (please specify)
☐ YES (continue question 5d)
☐ NO (go to question 5e)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 5d)
Setting
Name and description of initiative & year implemented
Components of initiatives in particular settings (please indicate the letter/s from choices above for each setting)
☒ Schools
☒ Hospitals
☐ The workplaces
☐ Government facilities/offices
☐ Food eaten away from home e.g. food outlets, restaurants, fast food chains
☐ Others, please specify ….…...
5E. POTASSIUM-ENRICHED SALT SUBSTITUTES
Does your country have a national program, policy or initiative that promotes the switch to the use of potassium-enriched salt (also known as salt substitutes or lower-sodium salt)?
☐ YES (continue question 5e)
☐ NO (go to question 6)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 5e)
Name of initiative & year implemented
Agency / organization taking the lead
☐ Government ☐ Industry ☐ NGO ☐ Other
Approach
☐ Education or behaviour change strategies promoting the switch to potassium-enriched salt
☐ Commercially available for consumers to purchase from shops
☐ Recommended through health practitioners for those with pre-hypertension or hypertension
☐ Recommended to food manufacturers as a method to lower sodium content in food products (food reformulation)
☐ Food procurement and service policies that promote the switch to potassium-enriched salt
☐ Food and nutrition labelling policies that promote or relate to potassium-enriched salt
☐ Other, please specify
6. Evaluation of salt/sodium reduction strategy
Has your country done any work to evaluate the effectiveness of the salt/sodium reduction strategy or any component of the strategy, in addition to monitoring salt intake, salt levels and consumer KAB? (This can also include process evaluation or economic evaluation)
☐ YES (continue question 6)
☐ NO (go to question 7)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 6)
For each evaluation, please specify:
(please copy and paste the table below as needed, one table per evaluation)
Year evaluated
Evaluation approach
Results
(Has it had an impact?)
Has a cost-effective analysis been undertaken?
☐ YES ☐ NO ☐ PLANNED
What was the result of the cost-effectiveness assessment?
7. National initiatives to increase iodine and potassium intake
7A. Is there or has there previously been any program, policy or initiative designed to eliminate iodine deficiency in your country?
☐ YES, in coordination with the salt reduction strategy (continue question 7A)
☐ YES, but NOT in coordination with the salt reduction strategy (continue question 7A)
☐ NO (go to question 7B)
☐ PLANNED (continue question 7A)
Name of initiative & year implemented
Agency / organization taking the lead
☐ Government ☐ Industry ☐ NGO ☐ Other
Contact name and email: ….…...
Population approaches taken
☐ Universal salt iodization (mandatory iodization of all salt for human consumption)
☐ Mandatory iodized salt use in certain foods or beverages
☐ Voluntary salt iodization
☐ Other, please specify: ….…...
Approaches taken to integrate salt reduction and iodine deficiency elimination programs
☐ Integrated communication/education for example: “eat less salt and only iodized”
☐ Monitor salt and iodine intake concurrently (through urine or dietary survey)
☐ Adapt iodine levels in salt as salt intake decreases
☐ None yet
☐ Other, please specify: ….…...
Please attach any documents and website links relevant to the questions.
THANK YOU FOR COMPLETING THIS QUESTIONNAIRE. We value your time. Please send the completed questionnaire and relevant documents to Monica Hu [[email protected]]
ONLINE PARTICIPANT INFORMATION STATEMENT AND CONSENT FORM A Systematic Review of Sodium Reduction Initiatives Around the World: An Evaluation Against the 2025 Global Non-
Communicable Diseases Sodium Reduction Target Dr. Kathy Trieu, Dr. Katrina Kissock, Dr. Daisy Coyle, Dr. Polly Huang, Monica Hu
Project Id: iRECS8148 PISCF Version dated: V2, 23 June 2025 Page 1 of 4
1. What is the research study about? You are invited to take part in this research study. The research is entitled “A Systematic Review of Sodium Reduction Initiatives Around the World: An Evaluation Against the 2025 Global Non- Communicable Diseases Sodium Reduction Target,” which aims to quantify the progress towards the global sodium reduction target through systematically reviewing national sodium reduction initiatives around the world. This will be the fourth update of this important review which was last published in 2021 (https://PubMed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33693460/). This review will provide important information about countries’ progress towards lowering population sodium intake for the prevention of raised blood pressure and heart disease, generate learnings about what policies and interventions are being implemented worldwide, and identify gaps in progress towards the targeted 30% reduction in sodium intake. You have been invited based on your involvement to the development of a national sodium reduction strategy, or to the implementation of national-level sodium reduction interventions in your country.
2. Who is conducting this research?
The study is being carried out by the following researchers: Monica Hu, Dr. Kathy Trieu, Dr. Katrina Kissock, Dr. Daisy Coyle, Dr. Polly Huang, The George Institute for Global Health, T: +61 2 8052 4520 Research Funder: This research has not received funding.
3. Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria Before you decide to participate in this research project, we need to ensure that it is ok for you to take part. The research study is looking to recruit people who had been previously involved with the development or implementation of the national sodium reduction strategy or interventions. You are eligible to participate if you:
• Are 18 years of age or older, and
• Have been involved in national or regional salt reduction initiatives - either through government, a non-governmental organization, as a salt reduction ‘champion’ within your country, researcher or health organization member.
4. Do I have to take part in this research study?
Participation in this research study is voluntary. If you do not want to take part, you do not have to. If
you decide to take part and later change your mind, you are free to withdraw from the study at any
stage.
If you decide you want to take part in the research study, you will be asked to:
• Read the information in this form carefully (ask questions if necessary);
• Complete and return the questionnaire to the research team via email. By doing so, you imply your consent to participate in the study.
5. What does participation in this research require, and are there any risks involved?
If you decide you want to take part in the research study, you will be asked to review/update/complete a pre-filled questionnaire that we have prepared containing information about the national sodium reduction strategy or initiatives in your country. Specifically, you will be asked to:
• Check that the information we’ve entered is correct, if not, update the answers;
• Fill in the areas where information or details are missing;
• Attach any documents and website links relevant to the questions.
We don’t expect the questionnaire to cause any harm or discomfort.
ONLINE PARTICIPANT INFORMATION STATEMENT AND CONSENT FORM A Systematic Review of Sodium Reduction Initiatives Around the World: An Evaluation Against the 2025 Global Non-
Communicable Diseases Sodium Reduction Target Dr. Kathy Trieu, Dr. Katrina Kissock, Dr. Daisy Coyle, Dr. Polly Huang, Monica Hu
Project Id: iRECS8148 PISCF Version dated: V2, 23 June 2025 Page 2 of 4
6. What are the possible benefits to participation?
We hope to use the information we get from this research study to generate evidence of a range of population sodium reduction strategies that governments have adopted around the world, their effectiveness in lowering sodium intake, and countries or regions where sodium reduction initiatives have not been implemented. The information will also help us to better support countries in achieving the WHO target of a 30% relative reduction in mean population sodium intake which has been extended from 2025 to 2030.
7. What will happen to information about me?
By completing and returning the questionnaire to research team via email, you are providing your consent for the research team to collect and use the information you have provided in the questionnaire for the research study. The research team will store the data collected from you for this research project for a minimum of 5 years after the publication of the research results. The information you provide will be stored in a re-identifiable format where any identifiers such as your name, organisation, position, and contact details will be replaced with a unique code. We will store your information in a password-protected folder within The George Institute secure network. The information that you will provide will only be used to update our database of national sodium reduction initiatives around the world, and any published information from this research project will be de-identified.
8. How and when will I find out what the results of the research study are?
The research team intend to publish and report the results of the research study in a variety of ways. All information published will be done in a way that will not identify you. If you would like to receive a copy of the results, you can let the research team know by ticking the box and adding your email or postal address in the questionnaire. We will only use these details to send you the results of the research.
9. What if I want to withdraw from the research study? If you do consent and complete the questionnaire, you may withdraw at any time. You can do so by
completing the ‘Withdrawal of Consent Form’ which is provided at the end of this document.
Alternatively, you can ring the research team to tell them that you no longer want to participate. If you
decide to withdraw, you can ask researchers to destroy any information that you have provided and
no additional information will be collected from you. Your decision not to participate will not affect your
relationship with UNSW Sydney or The George Institute for Global Health.
10. What should I do if I have further questions about my involvement in the research study?
If you want any further information concerning this project or if you have any problems which may be
related to your involvement in the project, you can contact the following member/s of the research
team:
Research Team Contact Details
Name Dr Kathy Trieu
ONLINE PARTICIPANT INFORMATION STATEMENT AND CONSENT FORM A Systematic Review of Sodium Reduction Initiatives Around the World: An Evaluation Against the 2025 Global Non-
Communicable Diseases Sodium Reduction Target Dr. Kathy Trieu, Dr. Katrina Kissock, Dr. Daisy Coyle, Dr. Polly Huang, Monica Hu
Project Id: iRECS8148 PISCF Version dated: V2, 23 June 2025 Page 3 of 4
Position Director, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on Population Salt Reduction at The George Institute for Global Health Program Lead - Nutrition Implementation Research, Food Policy, TGI Conjoint Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine UNSW
Email [email protected]
11. What if I have a complaint or any concerns about the research study?
If you have any complaints about any aspect of the project, the way it is being conducted, then you may contact:
Complaints Contact
Position Human Research Ethics Coordinator
Telephone + 61 2 9385 6222
Email [email protected]
Reference Number iRECS 8148
Consent Form – Participant providing own consent Declaration by the participant By completing and returning the questionnaire:
• I understand I am being asked to provide consent to participate in this research study;
• I have read the Participant Information Sheet, or it has been provided to me in a language that I understand;
• I provide my consent for the information collected about me to be used for the purpose of this research study only.
• I understand that if necessary, I can ask questions and the research team will respond to my questions.
• I freely agree to participate in this research study as described and understand that I am free to withdraw at any time during the study and withdrawal will not affect my relationship with any of the named organisations and/or research team members;
If you would like to receive a copy of the study results via email, please let the research team know through email when returning the completed questionnaire.
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION STATEMENT A Systematic Review of Sodium Reduction Initiatives Around the World: An Evaluation Against the 2025 Global Non-
Communicable Diseases Sodium Reduction Target Dr. Kathy Trieu, Dr. Katrina Kissock, Dr. Daisy Coyle, Dr. Polly Huang, Monica Hu
HC Number: iRECS8148 PISCF Version dated: V2, 23 June 2025 Page 4 of 4
Form for Withdrawal of Participation I wish to WITHDRAW my consent to participate in this research study described above and understand that such withdrawal WILL NOT affect my relationship with The University of New South Wales or The George Institute for Global Health.
In withdrawing my consent, I would like any information which I have provided for the purpose of this research study withdrawn. I understand that the information collected about me during my participation in the workshop cannot be withdrawn given the nature of the workshop.
Participant Signature
Name of Participant (please print)
Signature of Research Participant
Date
The section for Withdrawal of Participation should be forwarded to:
CI Name: Dr Kathy Trieu
Email: [email protected]
Postal Address: Three International Towers, Level 18/300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000
ONLINE PARTICIPANT INFORMATION STATEMENT AND CONSENT FORM A Systematic Review of Sodium Reduction Initiatives Around the World: An Evaluation Against the 2025 Global Non-
Communicable Diseases Sodium Reduction Target Dr. Kathy Trieu, Dr. Katrina Kissock, Dr. Daisy Coyle, Dr. Polly Huang, Monica Hu
Project Id: iRECS8148 PISCF Version dated: V2, 23 June 2025 Page 1 of 4
1. What is the research study about? You are invited to take part in this research study. The research is entitled “A Systematic Review of Sodium Reduction Initiatives Around the World: An Evaluation Against the 2025 Global Non- Communicable Diseases Sodium Reduction Target,” which aims to quantify the progress towards the global sodium reduction target through systematically reviewing national sodium reduction initiatives around the world. This will be the fourth update of this important review which was last published in 2021 (https://PubMed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33693460/). This review will provide important information about countries’ progress towards lowering population sodium intake for the prevention of raised blood pressure and heart disease, generate learnings about what policies and interventions are being implemented worldwide, and identify gaps in progress towards the targeted 30% reduction in sodium intake. You have been invited based on your involvement to the development of a national sodium reduction strategy, or to the implementation of national-level sodium reduction interventions in your country.
2. Who is conducting this research?
The study is being carried out by the following researchers: Monica Hu, Dr. Kathy Trieu, Dr. Katrina Kissock, Dr. Daisy Coyle, Dr. Polly Huang, The George Institute for Global Health, T: +61 2 8052 4520 Research Funder: This research has not received funding.
3. Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria Before you decide to participate in this research project, we need to ensure that it is ok for you to take part. The research study is looking to recruit people who had been previously involved with the development or implementation of the national sodium reduction strategy or interventions. You are eligible to participate if you:
• Are 18 years of age or older, and
• Have been involved in national or regional salt reduction initiatives - either through government, a non-governmental organization, as a salt reduction ‘champion’ within your country, researcher or health organization member.
4. Do I have to take part in this research study?
Participation in this research study is voluntary. If you do not want to take part, you do not have to. If
you decide to take part and later change your mind, you are free to withdraw from the study at any
stage.
If you decide you want to take part in the research study, you will be asked to:
• Read the information in this form carefully (ask questions if necessary);
• Complete and return the questionnaire to the research team via email. By doing so, you imply your consent to participate in the study.
5. What does participation in this research require, and are there any risks involved?
If you decide you want to take part in the research study, you will be asked to review/update/complete a pre-filled questionnaire that we have prepared containing information about the national sodium reduction strategy or initiatives in your country. Specifically, you will be asked to:
• Check that the information we’ve entered is correct, if not, update the answers;
• Fill in the areas where information or details are missing;
• Attach any documents and website links relevant to the questions.
We don’t expect the questionnaire to cause any harm or discomfort.
ONLINE PARTICIPANT INFORMATION STATEMENT AND CONSENT FORM A Systematic Review of Sodium Reduction Initiatives Around the World: An Evaluation Against the 2025 Global Non-
Communicable Diseases Sodium Reduction Target Dr. Kathy Trieu, Dr. Katrina Kissock, Dr. Daisy Coyle, Dr. Polly Huang, Monica Hu
Project Id: iRECS8148 PISCF Version dated: V2, 23 June 2025 Page 2 of 4
6. What are the possible benefits to participation?
We hope to use the information we get from this research study to generate evidence of a range of population sodium reduction strategies that governments have adopted around the world, their effectiveness in lowering sodium intake, and countries or regions where sodium reduction initiatives have not been implemented. The information will also help us to better support countries in achieving the WHO target of a 30% relative reduction in mean population sodium intake which has been extended from 2025 to 2030.
7. What will happen to information about me?
By completing and returning the questionnaire to research team via email, you are providing your consent for the research team to collect and use the information you have provided in the questionnaire for the research study. The research team will store the data collected from you for this research project for a minimum of 5 years after the publication of the research results. The information you provide will be stored in a re-identifiable format where any identifiers such as your name, organisation, position, and contact details will be replaced with a unique code. We will store your information in a password-protected folder within The George Institute secure network. The information that you will provide will only be used to update our database of national sodium reduction initiatives around the world, and any published information from this research project will be de-identified.
8. How and when will I find out what the results of the research study are?
The research team intend to publish and report the results of the research study in a variety of ways. All information published will be done in a way that will not identify you. If you would like to receive a copy of the results, you can let the research team know by ticking the box and adding your email or postal address in the questionnaire. We will only use these details to send you the results of the research.
9. What if I want to withdraw from the research study? If you do consent and complete the questionnaire, you may withdraw at any time. You can do so by
completing the ‘Withdrawal of Consent Form’ which is provided at the end of this document.
Alternatively, you can ring the research team to tell them that you no longer want to participate. If you
decide to withdraw, you can ask researchers to destroy any information that you have provided and
no additional information will be collected from you. Your decision not to participate will not affect your
relationship with UNSW Sydney or The George Institute for Global Health.
10. What should I do if I have further questions about my involvement in the research study?
If you want any further information concerning this project or if you have any problems which may be
related to your involvement in the project, you can contact the following member/s of the research
team:
Research Team Contact Details
Name Dr Kathy Trieu
ONLINE PARTICIPANT INFORMATION STATEMENT AND CONSENT FORM A Systematic Review of Sodium Reduction Initiatives Around the World: An Evaluation Against the 2025 Global Non-
Communicable Diseases Sodium Reduction Target Dr. Kathy Trieu, Dr. Katrina Kissock, Dr. Daisy Coyle, Dr. Polly Huang, Monica Hu
Project Id: iRECS8148 PISCF Version dated: V2, 23 June 2025 Page 3 of 4
Position Director, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on Population Salt Reduction at The George Institute for Global Health Program Lead - Nutrition Implementation Research, Food Policy, TGI Conjoint Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine UNSW
Email [email protected]
11. What if I have a complaint or any concerns about the research study?
If you have any complaints about any aspect of the project, the way it is being conducted, then you may contact:
Complaints Contact
Position Human Research Ethics Coordinator
Telephone + 61 2 9385 6222
Email [email protected]
Reference Number iRECS 8148
Consent Form – Participant providing own consent Declaration by the participant By completing and returning the questionnaire:
• I understand I am being asked to provide consent to participate in this research study;
• I have read the Participant Information Sheet, or it has been provided to me in a language that I understand;
• I provide my consent for the information collected about me to be used for the purpose of this research study only.
• I understand that if necessary, I can ask questions and the research team will respond to my questions.
• I freely agree to participate in this research study as described and understand that I am free to withdraw at any time during the study and withdrawal will not affect my relationship with any of the named organisations and/or research team members;
If you would like to receive a copy of the study results via email, please let the research team know through email when returning the completed questionnaire.
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION STATEMENT A Systematic Review of Sodium Reduction Initiatives Around the World: An Evaluation Against the 2025 Global Non-
Communicable Diseases Sodium Reduction Target Dr. Kathy Trieu, Dr. Katrina Kissock, Dr. Daisy Coyle, Dr. Polly Huang, Monica Hu
HC Number: iRECS8148 PISCF Version dated: V2, 23 June 2025 Page 4 of 4
Form for Withdrawal of Participation I wish to WITHDRAW my consent to participate in this research study described above and understand that such withdrawal WILL NOT affect my relationship with The University of New South Wales or The George Institute for Global Health.
In withdrawing my consent, I would like any information which I have provided for the purpose of this research study withdrawn. I understand that the information collected about me during my participation in the workshop cannot be withdrawn given the nature of the workshop.
Participant Signature
Name of Participant (please print)
Signature of Research Participant
Date
The section for Withdrawal of Participation should be forwarded to:
CI Name: Dr Kathy Trieu
Email: [email protected]
Postal Address: Three International Towers, Level 18/300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000