FDA to crack down on key ingredient in America's favorite snacks
Health officials have laid out plans to slash salt levels in packaged and processed foods in a bid to curb its slew of associated side effects.
The FDA wants to cut Americans' sodium intake by about a fifth by 2027 to tackle rates of high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
To achieve its goal, the agency is urging makers of packaged, processed and fast food to trim the amount of salt in their recipes, such as PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz and Campbell Soup.
Fast-food chains, including McDonald's, Burger King-parent Restaurant Brands and Taco Bell-parent Yum Brands are also likely to be affected.
The directive is voluntary - for now - meaning companies who choose not to follow the recommendation will not be penalized.
American adults consumed on average 2,750 milligrams of sodium per day in 2021 and the FDA wants to slash this to 2,300mg by 2027.
American adults consumed on average 2,750 milligrams of sodium per day in 2021 and the FDA wants to slash this to 2,300mg by 2027
The agency said 40 percent of food groups had cut their levels by an average of about 12 percent since the idea was first floated in 2021.
'Reducing sodium in the food supply has the potential to be one of the most important public health initiatives in a generation,' FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones said.
'The early successes we’re seeing with sodium level reduction in certain foods is encouraging and indicative of the impact we believe our overall nutrition approach can have on the wellbeing of society.'
The next phase of the FDA's plan will continue to focus on processed foods, which accounts for 70 percent of sodium intake in the U.S.
The agency’s sodium reduction initiative is part of the White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health to reduce diet-related diseases by 2030.
The FDA is also cracking down on health claims made on certain foods.
Sodium is one of the main drivers of high blood pressure, which around 120million Americans suffer with.
The condition caused by a range of factors including poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, genetics, and age. But only around a quarter of patients have it under control, raising their risk of heart attacks and even dementia.
High blood pressure can be difficult to treat simply because many might not know they have it, as it often has no symptoms. Its nickname is ‘the silent killer’.
It causes damage to blood vessels, restricting blood flow and oxygen to the brain.
