Food companies are coming under increasing pressure to use less salt, after US regulatory authorities announced long-anticipated guidelines to reduce sodium levels in many products, such as condiments, cereals and potato chips. .
The voluntary objectives set this Wednesday for 163 foods are intended to help reduce the amount of salt ingested by the population. Most of the sodium in the American diet comes from packaged or restaurant foods, not from the salt added to meals at home, making it difficult for people to make changes on their own.
To get people used to eating less salt, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said reductions need to be gradual and across the food supply chain so that people don’t continue to get higher sodium options.
“Setting goals really helps level the playing field across the industry,” said Susan Mayne, Director of the FDA’s Nutrition and Food Safety Division.
The FDA’s new sodium level targets aim to reduce the average intake by 12% over the next two and a half years, from 3,400 to 3,000 milligrams per day.
Even so, the average consumption would still be above the federally recommended limit of 2,300 milligrams per day for people 14 years of age and older, but the FDA said it will monitor industry progress and update goals to bring closer time the levels to the recommended limit.
The FDA stated that it took into consideration the views of the industry after issuing its preliminary guidance in 2016.
Ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce, for example, were divided and now serve different purposes. Another difference: the final guide does not specify a time frame for reaching the longer-term goals.
.
Ricardo is a renowned author and journalist, known for his exceptional writing on top-news stories. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he is known for his ability to deliver breaking news and insightful analysis on the most pressing issues of the day.
