Fuente: PubMed "rice" Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2026 Apr 16;50:e41. doi: 10.26633/RPSP.2026.41. eCollection 2026.ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE: To monitor compliance with national sodium reduction targets for prepackaged foods marketed in Costa Rica, and to compare it with current international standards.METHODS: Nutritional labeling information was collected from products sold in two supermarket chains in 2022. Sodium content (mg/100 g), sodium energy density (mg/kcal), and compliance with national targets for 2022 and with international standards (Pan American Health Organization, 2022 and 2025; World Health Organization, 2021 and 2024) were analyzed. The results were compared with evaluations performed in 2015 and 2018 (p ≤ 0.05). Photographs of the labels used for comparison were obtained in 2015, 2018, and 2022.RESULTS: A total of 7402 products were registered, of which 872 met the criteria for analysis. The highest sodium levels and greatest variability were observed in condiments (0-32 750 mg/100 g), cured and processed meats (569-4800 mg/100 g), and sauces (0-4050 mg/100 g). Subcategories (stocks, seasonings for rice, ham, sausages, tomato-based sauces, and bread with cheese) exceeded national targets. Bakery products had the lowest sodium levels and the least variability; savory bread and whole wheat bread were within the specified limits. Sodium energy density ranged from 0.8 to 86.0 mg/kcal, with 5 categories exceeding the recommended values. Compliance with national targets was 84.5%; with PAHO recommendations 43.6% and 34.7% (for 2022 and 2025, respectively); and with WHO recommendations 39.2% and 33.3% (for 2021 and 2024, respectively). There were no significant differences between 2022 and the years 2015 and 2018.Conclusions.: There is no evidence of sustained progress in reducing sodium in prepackaged foods in Costa Rica. Mandatory regulatory measures are required to drive improvements in public health.PMID:42006575 | PMC:PMC13086046 | DOI:10.26633/RPSP.2026.41