Salt May Get an FDA Shakedown

Increased regs likely on concerns about overconsumption, health effects
By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 29, 2007 12:05 PM CST
Salt May Get an FDA Shakedown
The Food and Drug Administration is holding its first hearings on reclassifying salt.   ((c) ewedistrict)

As the White House readies a national campaign against obesity, the FDA today will consider whether to reclassify one of the biggest dietary concerns of all: salt. The American Medical Association says that for Americans, who each day consume around 2,000 milligrams more than recommended, cutting salt intake by 50% could save 150,000 lives annually, reports the Los Angeles Times. 

Low-sodium products are often more expensive than their full-salt counterparts, and claims about reduced sodium remain a turn-off for customers. But at present rates, salt intake in America is a serious hazard—responsible for ailments from high blood pressure to strokes. "The evidence is overwhelming," says the AMA, that the amount of sodium in the food supply must go down. (More FDA stories.)

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