Avoid extra salt

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a public hearing Thursday, Nov. 29, on calls for government regulations to lower the salt content in food. Public health advocates, including representatives of the American Medical Association, said that cutting salt content in the American diet could save up to 150,000 lives annually.

The arguments in favor of tighter restrictions on salt content include the following:

* Research reveals that Americans have a typical daily consumption of 4,000 milligrams of sodium. The Institute of Medicine states that 1,500 milligrams a day of salt intake is adequate. The American Heart Association and the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans says that adults should not exceed 2,300 milligrams of sodium intake per day.

* The American Medical Association says if daily sodium intake can be reduced by half, about 150,000 American lives a year could be saved. This is a goal that can be achieved within ten years.

* The American Diabetes Association says self-regulation by industry has not worked. Without any FDA rules to lower sodium content, voluntary measures will remain ineffective as it has been for decades. The UK health authorities pursued an aggressive program and it has worked. Many UK products have only half the sodium levels as corresponding US products.
 
* Many scientific studies link excessive sodium consumption to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

* Excessive salt intake also contributes to the public health problem on obesity. Too much salt in favorite foods makes consumer drink beverages loaded with sugar.

* More than three-fourths of the average American’s daily salt intake comes from processed foods and restaurant meals. Examples: canned soups, frozen dinners, condiments, potato chips, even breakfast cereals (normally thought of as non-salty food).

* Excessive salt consumption happens not because the American consumer requests or wants it but because, without their knowledge, food processors and restaurants put the salt in their food.

FDA officials acknowledge that excessive salt consumption is a serious public health issue. But they also preferred to keep their options open, as they listened to counter-arguments:

* The Grocery Manufacturers Association believes taking away too much salt will not please consumers as it makes food taste bland. The association wants to maintain the status quo.

* Other food industry advocates favor gradual cuts so consumers will get used to have less salt.

* FDA should consider giving incentives instead of imposing requirements for companies to reduce sodium content.

Other experts in the medical community, while recognizing that excess salt in American diets is a problem, say FDA should not prioritize salt regulation but should tackle more serious problems like obesity instead.

Safety Issues has previously reported on research studies that show reducing salt levels in processed food does not compromise their safety (Is Processed Food with Less Salt Safe?, Sept. 3).

The FDA did not say when it would announce its decision whether or not it would intervene.

Safety Tip:
* Avoid foods that have lots of sodium, as indicated in nutrition labels.
* Eat more fruits and vegetables.