1,000 ITE students and staff set S’pore record for largest salt taste threshold test
The TL;DR: Around 1,000 Institute of Technical Education students and staff took part in a salt taste threshold test on Oct 1 – a record in Singapore for the largest number of people to do so. They did so to raise awareness among youth and adults about the importance of consuming less sodium.
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The students and staff each had to taste seven strips of paper containing increasing concentrations of salt.
ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
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Around 1,000 Institute of Technical Education (ITE) students and staff set a record in the Singapore Book of Records on Oct 1 for the largest number of people participating in a salt taste threshold test.
They each had to taste seven strips of paper containing increasing concentrations of salt, from 0 to 1.6 milligrams per sq cm.
If a person tastes saltiness only at a higher-level concentration of salt, it indicates that he has a high sodium intake.
The Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) organised the mass threshold test to raise awareness among youth and adults about their sodium intake and dietary choices.
Among the 1,000 participants, about 35 per cent of them have a salt taste threshold of 1 mg/sq cm and above, which are the fourth- to seventh-highest concentration levels.
People with a high salt taste threshold likely require more salt to taste saltiness, which will increase their risk of hypertension.
Nine in 10 Singaporeans consume more salt than the recommended amount of 5g a day, according to the National Nutrition Survey 2022
SHF said that healthier eating habits need to be fostered from a young age.
Ms Alice Seow, the principal of ITE College West, said: “Health education is a key aspect of our approach to holistic education. It equips our students with essential knowledge that supports their well-being, and encourages them to develop healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. The Mass Salt Taste Threshold Test enhances their understanding of nutrition, allowing them to share their knowledge with families and the wider community.”
Mr Hong Weili, 24, a Higher Nitec in Sport Management student, found out through the mass test that his salt threshold was at a lower level of 0.6 mg/sq cm.
But he said: “It’s still important for me to watch my diet, especially since I enjoy eating salty food.”
When he was in secondary school, he was diagnosed with high blood pressure, which runs in his family.
To manage his condition, he uses a health app to track his daily cardiovascular fitness and his diet to ensure he cuts down on his sodium intake.
Keen to test your salt taste threshold and learn how to measure your blood pressure accurately? Sign up at www.myheart.org.sg
Correction note: This story has been updated for accuracy.
