The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued draft guidance for Phase II of its voluntary sodium reduction targets, continuing its efforts to lower sodium intake across the food supply. This initiative builds on Phase I, introduced in October 2021, and aims to further reduce average sodium consumption.
Before 2021, the average daily sodium intake among U.S. consumers was approximately 3,400 milligrams, significantly higher than the 2,300 milligrams per day recommended for individuals aged 14 years and older by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The new Phase II targets aim to reduce this average intake to 2,750 milligrams per day, representing a 20% reduction from pre-2021 levels.
Preliminary data from 2022 indicate that 40% of the initial Phase I targets are either close to being met or have already been achieved. The Phase II targets will continue to focus on processed, packaged, and prepared foods, which contribute to over 70% of the sodium intake in the U.S.
Excessive sodium intake is a well-established risk factor for hypertension, along with heart disease and stroke, noted the FDA in a press release. The agency’s sodium reduction efforts, part of the White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, aim to reduce diet-related diseases by 2030. The Phase II targets align with the Healthy People 2030 objective of lowering average sodium intake to 2,750 milligrams per day.
Standards amending the identity of allowing salt substitutes in foods where salt is required or optional was also proposed. Additionally, the FDA issued guidance on using the term "potassium salt" instead of "potassium chloride" to help consumers recognize it as a salt substitute. The agency is also working on other related initiatives, including a final rule on the definition of "healthy," front-of-package nutrition labeling, and reducing added sugars.
“Reducing sodium in the food supply has the potential to be one of the most important public health initiatives in a generation," said FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones. "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 agency plans to continue its stepwise approach, with regular evaluations every three years.
Citation:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA announces milestone in sodium reduction efforts, issues draft guidance with lower target levels for certain foods. Published August 15, 2024. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-announces-milestone-sodium-reduction-efforts-issues-draft-guidance-lower-target-levels-certain
