• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.537-548
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: South Korea has been conducting the Sodium Reduction Restaurant Project since 2015 to reduce sodium contents in restaurant menus. The purpose of this study was to analyze changes in the sodium content of menus as determined by the Daegu Sodium Reduction Restaurant Project between 2015 and 2019. MATERIALS/METHODS: Intervention was aimed at reducing the sodium contents of over 10% of menu items in participating restaurants. On-site inspections and evaluations were conducted using a checklist, and reductions in sodium contents were determined by analyzing the salinities and sodium contents of menus after intervention. RESULTS: Post-intervention salinities and sodium contents were significantly lower than baseline values in 2016 (P < 0.001), 2017 (P < 0.001), 2018 (P < 0.001), and 2019 (P < 0.001). However, sodium contents and salinities differences before and after intervention were not significant in 2015. Sodium contents of more than 20% of menu items offered by restaurants that participated in the Sodium Reduction Restaurant Project for 2 yrs starting in 2016 declined by 28.9%. On the other hand, the sodium reduction rate achieved by restaurants that participated for 4 yrs from 2015 reached 55.4%. The percentage of restaurants that participated in the project increased annually, though some failed to be designated as Sodium Reduction Restaurants because they did not meet sodium reduction rate requirements. CONCLUSIONS: Positive correlations were found between duration of participation in the project and sodium reduction and designation rates. Sustainable long-term support at the national level is required to expand the project to other regions.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.174-182
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• 2014

This study compared total sodium amounts in 'Healthy Restaurant for Sodium Reduction' menu items located in Seoul, Chungcheong, and Gyeongsang in 2011 and 2012. In addition, this study explored reduced sodium cooking methods in 'Healthy Restaurant for Sodium Reduction'. This study monitored and collected menu samples from a total of 103 restaurants participating in 'Healthy Restaurant for Sodium Reduction' in 2011 and 2012. We also surveyed restaurant employees to identify reduced sodium cooking methods in 2012. The results showed significant reductions in total amounts of sodium in menu items of restaurants located in Seoul, Chungcheong, and Gyeongsang between 2011 ($310.8{\pm}156.8mg/100g$) and 2012 ($211.6{\pm}110.3mg/100g$). Amounts of sodium in all seven foodgroups showed significant reductions between 2011 and 2012: 'Gook/Tang' (from $226.6{\pm}127.7mg/100g$ to $168.5{\pm}74.3mg/100g$), 'Jjigae/Jeongol' (from $385.8{\pm}111.7mg/100g$ to $257.1{\pm}82.53mg/100g$), 'Noodle/Dumpling' (from $263.8{\pm}116.9mg/100g$ to $194.1{\pm}55.6mg/100g$), 'Gui' (from $390.3{\pm}120.6mg/100g$ to $258.8{\pm}92.7mg/100g$), 'Steamed dish' (from $305.3{\pm}124.3mg/100g$ to $175.6{\pm}76.6mg/100g$), 'Bob' (from $273.7{\pm}162.5mg/100g$ to $167.1{\pm}93.1mg/100g$), and 'Stir-fried dish' (from $368.6{\pm}116.6mg/100g$ to $219.0{\pm}72.4mg/100g$). The survey results showed that responses for 'Reducing salt amount' were 75.7%, responses for 'Using enchovy stock, shrimp, radish, or fruit soup' were 64.1%, and responses for 'Liking the taste because it is bland' were 50%. This study indicates that 'Healthy Restaurant for Sodium Reduction' nutrition policy was successful for reducing sodium contents of restaurant menu items, and also consumers were satisfied with the tastes.