FDA To Crack Down On Salt

By Sam Lewis

While there is currently no timetable for the voluntary guidelines to be rolled out, FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg believes the government, partnered with the food manufacturing industry, can make a big impact on improving the health of Americans.

The average American consumes right around 3,400 milligrams — a teaspoon and a half — of sodium each day. This figure is about 33 percent higher than the government’s current recommended intake and more than 50 percent higher than what the American Heart Association suggests per day. But perhaps soon, Americans will be eating foods without their favorite tabletop seasoning.

The FDA has plans to issue new guidelines to food manufacturers, processors, and restaurants to lower the average American’s sodium intake, officials at the agency say. “We believe we can make a big impact working with the industry to bring sodium levels down, because the current level of consumption really is higher than it should be for health,” notes FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg. She also says the guidelines will be voluntary, and currently, there is no time frame for a rollout or implementation.

Trouble complying with new regulations? Here are a few tips.

In addition to adding flavor, food makers use salt to boost product’s shelf life and prevent the growth of bacterial pathogens. Experts are saying the guidelines are a good place to start, but won’t put enough pressure on restaurants to limit salt use. “If one company doesn’t lower it, then another one won’t,” says Lisa Young, an adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University. “If it’s mandatory, and everyone starts lowering sodium, then we’re in good shape.”

Additionally, Frank Sacks, a professor of medicine and nutrition at Harvard’s School of Public Health, says the issue will need to be confronted eventually. “It just appalls me how much salt the chefs will just pour on the food,” says Sacks. “It’s sort of a lazy way of flavoring food. The food industry will eventually be pushed to respond.”

The guidelines could raise the eyebrows of Republicans in Congress who have combatted with President Obama over initiatives to require caloric information on menus and demand school lunches healthier. When the Obama administration wanted to make guidelines for advertising junk food to kids, the industry hesitated and congressional Republicans fought the notion. The idea has since been put on the sidelines by the Obama administration. But, other members of Congress are pushing the FDA to act now. “As the clock ticks, America's blood pressure, along with health costs due to chronic disease, continue to rise,” says Senator Tom Harkin, (D-Iowa), chairman of the Senate committee overseeing the FDA.