The dark side of salt in Panama

Francisco Rivas Ríos.

On Monday, August 28, 2017, at a press conference, the Ministry of Health (MINSA) and the Association of Restaurants and Allied Products of Panama (ARAP) reported that they will initiate a plan of measures to reduce salt consumption in the country, with the aim of providing a better quality of life of the population. 

The implementation of the strategy will be that the 400 restaurants that make up the ARAP will proceed to remove the salt shaker from the tables, leaving their consumption at the discretion of customers. The dark side of salt in Panama.

Even acknowledging the positive purpose of the initiative, it lacks effectiveness because it is mandatory and also reflects a lack of knowledge of the characteristics of the salt economy in Panama. As we will see below, there are salt-related issues that deserve more attention.

As part of the initiative on salt reduction in Latin America, in 2009 the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) estimated apparent salt consumption in Panama in the range of 9.15 - 12.35 grams per day [i]. Subsequently, the Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP) estimated that, in urban and rural areas, the consumption of table salt was similar, around 10 grams per person [ii]. Meanwhile, animal consumption has been estimated at 20 grams per head per day.

If we take a 10 gr / day / person and 20 gr / head / day, we can figure apparent salt demand in 2014 at 13,368 tons. For human consumption and 11,763 tons. For animal consumption, yielding a total of 25,131 tonnes [iii]. The Value Chain of the salt industry in Panama is structured in 4 main components: 1) the producer; (2) industry; 3) the commercial channel; and 4) the consumer.

Two Value Chains can be identified: the one generated by imports of salt, and the one corresponding to the national production of raw salt. The supply of salt for different purposes (industrial, table, mainly) increased steadily from 2010 As shown in Table No. 1., in 2014 total salt supply amounted to 36,987.12 metric tons.

At the national level, the production is mainly carried out by the cooperatives affiliated to FENCOSPA RL. The saline are located in the Province of Los Santos and are of marine type, located on the coast, specifically in areas called "albinas", extensions of land with little or no vegetation by the inclement flood of salt water.

Sea water is captured by taking high tides ("aguaje") and transported through canals to "tercios" or "lakes", shallow excavations of between 1 and 2 meters deep by about 100 x 100 meters of diameter, which, when drilled in its base allow the entry of salt produced abroad enters Panama in two ways: as raw material: refined industrial salt, and to a lesser extent as Pure Sodium Chloride (Analytical Grade) and as final products for human and animal consumption.

Imported salt enters Panama in two ways, as raw material: refined industrial salt, and to a lesser extent as Pure Sodium Chloride (Analytical Grade) and as final products for human and animal consumption. Raw salt comes from two sources: sea salt and rock salt (or yolk).

Imports are a key factor in explaining the large supply of salt in the domestic market in the Panamanian market. Imports are driving the high levels of consumption in the population. FENCOSPA R.L has the installed capacity to supply the national market and has historically established coordination mechanisms with the Ministry of Health (MINSA).

Imports of salt are the fundamental problem, but invisible to the public and decision makers, because powerful business interests are moving around them. Let's look at several situations unknown to the Panamanians:

 • Imported industrial salt does not fulfill the obligation of  iodized salt.

The import of refined industrial salt has been questioned. The Ministry of Health (MINSA) issued Decree 20 March 2001, stating that any salt that is processed, produced or obtained for human consumption should contain an amount of iodine between 20-60 mg / kg (20-60 ppm.) [iv].

The MINSA implemented Decree March 20, 2001 to these imports, which led to the retention of shipments in that year. This decision provoked the widespread protest of the entrepreneurs dedicated to the industry of meat sausages, snacks and soups. Finally, in March 2001 the MINSA authorities suspended the application of the decree to this item.

One of the main importers who protested was the US transnational Laboratorios Griffith SA, dedicated to the production of condiments for food and sauces in small envelopes. Laboratories Griffith SA imports refined industrial salt from its country of origin, uses it as raw material in its products and exports it to Latin America, having among its largest customers fast food restaurant chains such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, McDonald's and Burger King [v].

In the opinion of some industrialists the willingness to force the use of iodized industrial salt "does not exist in any country of the world", which is partially true. In order to prevent refined industrial non-iodized salt from being used for human consumption, in Uruguay, for example, it is marketed in 50 kg bags (while the standard in Panama is 25 kg) and should clearly show the legend: "Salt For industrial use not suitable for human consumption " [saw], a requirement that does not exist in Panama.

• The Colombian press denounces the production of salt of poor quality. 

One of the main exporters of salt to Panama is Colombia. Since 1995 the Colombian news media have denounced the existence of salt of poor quality. In 1995 the El Tiempo newspaper reported:

"The Colombian Family Welfare Institute (Icbf) and the sectional health departments of Bogotá and the departments of Atlántico, Antioquia, Bolívar, Meta, Santander and Valle.

The document says that 70 percent of the salt consumed in the national territory is not fit for human consumption or does not meet the conditions required by the Ministry of Health.

Therefore, two-thirds of the salt currently marketed in the country are inadequately iodized, which exposes the Colombian population to disorders due to deficiency of this element, such as mental retardation, cretinism, decreased IQ and physical development, especially of children and young people, says the study.

In the case of Venezuelan and Peruvian salt that arrives in Colombia, worse indices of iodine content were found than in the national one, but it is very difficult to know if this originates in the processing plants of these countries or is made in the country, in the time to repackage "[ vii]].

That is, in 1995 the problem was found both in imports of Venezuelan and Peruvian salt, as processed in Colombia. It is important to emphasize that the company involved that the "salt they import is already purified and selected and show evidence of the health service of Norte de Santander where it ensures that it does meet the requirements and sells a cheaper product" [ viii ] ].

In 2013 the Scientific Society of Endocrinologists of Colombia reported that cases of goiter, which should only be referred to as past data, "are again being warned by health professionals in the different consultations of hospitals and medical centers from the city". The information adds:

"Specialists warn that something is failing and the first thing to check is the table salt that is consumed daily. Although it is a provision of the competent authorities at national level, and iodate table salt that is marketed, this does not guarantee that that product of basic use in the homes, is the most appropriate for the health of the children. Health professionals warn that under certain neglects in the management of salt at the time of commercialization, it can lose the amounts of iodine in its composition, and this will be harmful to the health of the population.

"The fact that the salt bags say it is iodine is no guarantee that it will be," warns endocrinologist Rima Ribera de Parrish. "If the salt is exposed to the sun or gets wet, it loses the properties of iodine", he adds, so it is alerted that the authorities that oversee the quality control of the products and the way of selling in the centers of supply, kiosks, supermarkets, must be very careful handling this element. "

On May 6, 2016, the newspaper El Espectador published a message by the social media informing about the illegal exploitation of salt in La Guajira, indicating:

"Behind this illegal network is a series of" millers ", the ones in charge of commercializing the brine through various products that would not have minimum quality standards. They added that with these actions they are deceiving to different buyers who do not know "the bad quality of the product and harming the environment".

Despite these disturbing news, the Panamanian Authority for Food Safety ( AUPSA) has maintained the mechanisms of physical verification, without resorting to another type of analysis, of salt from Colombia.

• Panamanian sea salt is superior to imported salt. 

Salt of Mine or Gem as produced in Chile (El Gran Salar) is rock salt, which has a concentration of Sodium Chloride of 85% and 15% of impurities or (rut), this Salt, is sent to the refineries in the form of raw brine, where calcium, magnesium and impurities like other micronutrients (54 tracks) are removed by the dosage of sodium carbonate and caustic soda in the reactors, precipitating the impurities.

Later they go through the process of crystallization and dosing of Fluorine, Iodine and anticompactant, becoming salt for human consumption. This salt is appreciated a little whiter by the sustenances of the mentioned chemical effects and its granules are finer by the effect of the process known as crystallization.

Sea Salt is obtained through sea water, which is carried to lakes and crystals, where, due to sun exposure and warm winds, the water evaporates giving origin to the salt grain. From there it is extracted to be submitted to wash, and dry milling, which makes its grains more triangular and less white, but more pure and with a high content of micro-nutrients by which it is called "THE SALT OF LIFE." Subsequently, the salt is sieved and added with Iodine, Fluorine and Anticompactant.

Sea salt gives the body more minerals than the salt of minerals or gems, essential for the formation of bones, teeth, red blood cells, hair growth, tissue development, synthesis of hormones and for the most part of the chemical reactions in which the enzymes intervene, making it better for human consumption. Digital Pharma News Magazine summarizes the differences between this type of salt, which makes the sea salt healthier than mine, as well as other environmental benefits generated by its consumption. The main differences are:

a)   The content of mine salt is sodium chloride and other minerals such as magnesium, potassium, iodine, among others. Sea salt, moreover, has more trace elements and minerals, above all, has a higher content of iodine and not of sodium, which contributes to the health of the organism.

b)   The minerals contained in the salt of the mine make it have a lighter taste, which means that more food has to be used for the preparation of food. Sea salt has a higher flavor intensity because it contains attractive crystals and, because it is a naturally iodinated product, adds a gourmet flavor to the food, with less quantity.

c) At the ecological level, mining salt extraction also has a negative impact as rivers, streams and aquifers are contaminated by extraction. Much water is also used for the maintenance, washing of the mine and for its own extraction; In addition to this, there is also a labor risk in the extraction process. In sea salt there are no processes, the sea has been undulating for millions of years, wasting all the minerals and stones that exist on the planet. These particles are suspended in seawater, evaporating the sea salt.

The above indicates that the product of FENCOSPA RL has a quality superior to the salt of imported mine or Gem, an aspect that must be considered by the governmental entities, to define a policy of support for the salt production sector. It is not only a question of preventing the leakage of foreign exchange, but also about supporting a national product with unquestionable importance for the health of the inhabitants of the country.

• The Himalayan Salt that is not from the Himalayas (misleading advertising) .

The Himalayan salt is not from the Himalayas, but from an area where the industrial village called Kherwa is located on the plains of the Pakistani Punjab, a couple of kilometers from the Jhelum River, 288 meters above sea level, and next to the Dandot Cement Factory. According to the information available "the name of this salt was created by Peter Ferreira in the 90's, only for commercial purposes to be able to carry out its sale in Germany" [ix].

Based on studies carried out by the Bavarian Consumer Protection Agency, the German public-sector ZDF presented a model in which it could be seen how, in addition to 96% sodium chloride, Himalayan salt is contaminated with 2-3% gypsum (polyhalite), and small amounts of up to 10 different minerals. The only difference between this set and the table salt consumed in Europe is its processing, in which sodium vapors are passed over the sodium chloride crystals, so that the chloride ions combine with ions of the metal, giving rise to that characteristic pink coloration.

As noted earlier, the AUPSA sized packages of Himalayan Salt, finding that it had been introduced as "raw material". However, nothing has been done to deal with the misleading advertising that accompanies this brand and, moreover, the German government, specifically the Bavarian Consumer Protection Agency, has not been asked for the results of the chemical analyzes carried out on this product.

• Balanced food for animals is imported as table salt or cooking. 

Products Nevada, S. De RL allegedly imported 13,275.28 kg, 24.33% of table salt or cooking. This company was acquired by the cooperative de Productores de Leche DOS Pinos RL of Costa Rica, in May 2013 [x]. The Nevada Plant - located in Chiriquí - produces whole milk, semi-skimmed, skimmed, flavored and oats; as well as fruit juices under the brands Nevada, Chiricana and Tutti Frutti. Products Nevada SA imported 13,275.28 kg from Costa Rica, which entered PasoCanoas. See attached figure.

However, this product was entered in Costa Rica as: "brand, in international class 31, to protect and distinguish: animal feedingstuffs " [xi] In addition, according to the Nice Classification of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), it describes Class 31 as follows: "Grains and agricultural, horticultural and forestry products, not included in other classes; live animals; fresh fruits and vegetables and legumes; seeds; natural plants and flowers; feed for animals; malt". How is AUPSA justified to include a product intended to provide a balanced feed to animals, such as table salt or cooking?

• Salt is imported with the tariff item of table salt, but it is industrial salt. Another striking case concerns imports from Lavery Panameña, SA, which imported 6,000 kg of "Refined Salt" in 2015. On its website this company offers different food products such as Cheeses, Butters, Margarine, Mayonnaise and Mustard, Sauces and Pasta. Consequently, imported salt is transformed into the production of its products, as indicated on its advertising website by indicating that they use "domestic and foreign raw materials of high quality".

Now there is a difference between the Industrial Salt and Table Salt or Cooking; the Refined Salt consists of an almost pure proportion of NaCl (99.9%), and it is not obligatory that it is iodized. Table salt, on the other hand, has a lower degree of refinement, reaching a concentration of 95% in sodium chloride, but iodine is mandatory. This type of salt is used mainly in food and is usually found in the sealers that are in the tables of meals (hence its name: table salt). However, AUPSA has classified these imports in the heading of "Table Salt or Cooking". Consequently, imports of Lavery Pan.

THE LACK OF TRANSPARENCY IN THE MARKET OF LA SAL.

1. The market for salt imports lacks transparency and equity, to the detriment of FENCOSPA RL We have shown that non-saline products have entered the country as such. In addition, large shipments of salt have been received from countries such as Colombia, where the news media have repeatedly denounced the presence of poor quality salt.

2. An important aspect to consider is the level of purity of this product. Costa Rica, for example, applies the Central American Tariff System (SAC), which establishes that table salt or cooking must have a minimum of 99.9% purity. However, the Costa Rican Customs Laboratories have found levels of 99.7%, which has forced to reclassify the imported material in the tariff section 2501.00. 90.99 (Sales, even in aqueous dissolution or with the addition of anti-caking agents or agents that guarantee good fluidity), leading to a change in the settlement of the applicable taxes in favor of the tax authorities.

3. In the case of Panama, AUPSA does not practice laboratory tests in customs, restricting itself to superficial physical inspection. Once this deficiency has been corrected, the import market will become transparent and the value of the product will undoubtedly change. In these conditions of low transparency and equity FENCOSPA RL faces unfair competition.

4. As will be seen later, FENCOSPA RL is in a position to compete successfully in the domestic market, and even to enter the international market, but it is necessary that the Panamanian state applies the existing regulations for the safeguard of the national salt produced. FENCOSPA RL can become a strategic ally of the Ministry of Health (MINSA) of Panama to reduce the hypertension rates of the population, as a result, among other factors of excessive table salt intake.


[i]   Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Salt Reduction Initiative in the Americas: Fact Sheet, 2009. URL: http://new.paho.org/hq/dmdocuments/2009/sal_ini_hoja_inf.pdf . Accessed January 9, 2016.
[ii]   MENCHÚ, M. T, H. MÉNDEZ. Analysis of the Food Situation in Panama. Guatemala: INCAP, 2011. URL:   www.incap.int/.../660- panama-report- analysis- of- situation - food
[iii]   Own elaboration based on the Population Censuses and the Agricultural Census of the Comptroller General of the Republic of Panama.
[iv] NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF PANAMÁ, Executive Decree that Regulates Article 18 Cabinet Decree 366 of 1969, On the Salt Industry in the Country, Modified by Law 43 of 2000. URL: http://docs.panama.justia.com/ federal / executive-decrees / 20-of-2001-mar-6-2001.pdf. Read on December 17, 2015.
[v] "Griffith restructures operations in Panama", in: La Prensa , Panama, July 05 , 2003. URL: http://impresa.prensa.com/economia/Griffith-reestructura-operaciones Panama_0_960654049.html . Retrieved on December 17, 2015.
[saw] IMPO, Normative and Legal Notices of Uruguay, Decree No. 375/990. National Plan for the Fluorination of Salt for Human Consumption. Oral Pathology. Uruguay, Promulgated on 08/17/1990. URL: http://www.impo.com.uy/bases/decretos/375-1990 . Read on December 17, 2015.
[vii]   " Poor Quality Salt Market Grows ", In: El Tiempo , Colombia, March 13, 1995 , URL: http://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/MAM-273365
[viii]   Ibídem .
[ix] "The Himalayan Salt Scam", In Home Cooking, URL: http://www.cocina-casera.com/2015/01/estafa-sal-himalaya.html, Read January 13, 2016 .
[x]   "Dos Pinos received the guarantee to buy the Panamanian milk plant Nevada", In: La Prensa, Panama, May 15, 2013 , URL. http: // w ww.nacion.com/economia/Pinos-recibio-comprar-panamena-Nevada_0_1341665900.html . Read January 8, 2016.
[xi] La Gaceta Nº 184, Costa Rica, Tuesday, September 25, 2007. URL: www.gaceta.go.cr/pub/2007/09/2 5 / comp_25_09_2007.pdf . Read January 8, 2016.