Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42218516›Full record

ArticleBMC research notes2026

Food types, preparation methods, and use of high-sodium seasonings in chain restaurants in Jamaica-implications for sodium consumption and food policy.

Sherene T McNeil, Evelyn Walker, Suzanne Soares-Wynter, Nadia R Bennett, Karen Webster-Kerr, Marshall K Tulloch-Reid, Tamu Davidson, Andriene Grant, Joette McKenzie, Alphanso Blake and 4 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC research notes, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

14 authors.

Sherene T McNeilEpidemiology Research Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
Evelyn WalkerEpidemiology Research Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
Suzanne Soares-WynterTropical Metabolism Research Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
Nadia R BennettEpidemiology Research Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
Karen Webster-KerrMinistry of Health and Wellness, Kingston, Jamaica.
Marshall K Tulloch-ReidEpidemiology Research Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
Tamu DavidsonMinistry of Health and Wellness, Kingston, Jamaica.
Andriene GrantMinistry of Health and Wellness, Kingston, Jamaica.
Joette McKenzieEpidemiology Research Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
Alphanso BlakeSchool of Clinical Medicine and Research, The Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Nassau, The Bahamas.
Simon G AndersonGeorge Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, St. Michael, Bridgetown, BB11115, Barbados.
Simone SpenceMinistry of Health and Wellness, Kingston, Jamaica.
Novie Younger-ColemanEpidemiology Research Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
Trevor S FergusonEpidemiology Research Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica. trevor.ferguson@uwi.edu.

Funding

National Health Fund Grant # HSF 597National Health Fund (Jamaica) Grant # HSF 597
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesFood sold in restaurants is a major contributor to sodium consumption patterns. We conducted a cross-sectional study on the types of foods sold, preparation methods, and use of high-sodium seasonings in chain restaurants in Jamaica and discuss the implications for sodium consumption and food policy. Data were collected from chain restaurants (defined as ≥ 3 stores locally) as part of the Jamaica Salt Consumption Study. Interviewers collected information via questionnaire on restaurant characteristics, menu items, types of seasonings used during food preparation, and availability of low-salt options.

resultsOnly 24% of restaurant chains identified participated. Of the 107 menu items identified, the most frequently sold were chicken (21.5%), fish (15.9%), and soup (9.4%). The most common methods of preparation for meat were frying (20.6%), boiling (18.7%), baking (17.8%), and stewing (17.8%). Commonly used high-sodium seasonings included sea salt (37.4%), table salt (17.8%), and soy sauce (16.8%). Six of the restaurant chains implemented salt reduction measures, including portion control and the use of unsalted seasonings and herbs. Most restaurants evaluated used salt-containing seasonings but also offered lowsalt options. Healthier dietary options and meal preparation methods in restaurants will be a critical part of food policy and for national sodium reduction interventions.

Indexed as

CookingNutrition PolicyRestaurantsSodium, DietaryAnimalsCross-Sectional StudiesHumansJamaicaSodium, DietaryCaribbeanFast-food restaurantsFood environmentFull-service restaurantsLow–salt optionsNutrition policySalt contentSodium content

Identifiers

PMID42218516
PMCPMC13430866

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.