FDA calls for sharp reduction in salt added to foods

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

World | Wed Jun 1, 2016 11:19am EDT

FDA calls for sharp reduction in salt added to foods

U.S. health officials recommended cutting the amount of salt added to foods to help Americans reduce their sodium consumption by about a third, according to proposed guidelines that are likely to have a wide-ranging impact on the processed food industry in the United States.

Increased sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke — two major causes of death in the United States.

The average sodium intake in the United States is about 3,400 mg per day. The guidelines set targets for the food industry to help reduce sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a statement. (1.usa.gov/282RWBD)

The health agency said the voluntary guidelines would apply to major food manufacturers and restaurants.

[font size=1]-snip-[/font]

Many U.S. food companies, including Campbell Soup Co (CPB.N), General Mills Inc (GIS.N) and Kraft Heinz Co (KHC.O), have already cut salt levels to some extent in anticipation of the guidelines, which have been in the works since 2011.

[font size=1]-snip-[/font]

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-fda-sodium-idUSKCN0YN4OG

[tonyt53]

1. I'm one of those odd people that has a low sodium level in my body.

My doctor actually told me to consume more salt. But when I go out to eat. so many people are adding salt to already salted foods, my wife included.