Food Products Association Opposes Medical Association's Call For New Sodium Labels

The FPA believes that enough information is present in product labels for consumers to make an educated decision about the salt contents. That salt is generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

16/06/06 In response to the American Medical Association's recommendation that sodium in processed foods and restaurant meals be reduced and sodium labeling requirements on food packages be changed, Robert Earl, MPH, RD, senior director of nutrition policy for the Food Products Association (FPA), made the following comments:

"Salt is a food ingredient that is 'generally recognized as safe,' or GRAS, by the Food and Drug Administration and has been in use in food preparation for millennia for purposes of taste and food preservation. Salt also is naturally occurring in many foods.

"FDA's Daily Value of 2400 milligrams provides a target for individuals in making personal food choices. Factors such as age, activity level, health status and climate will affect the requirements, needs and uses for sodium in each individual's diet.

"Many food companies are working on ways to reformulate products or reduce the use of sodium in processed foods. Various new techniques in canning and freezing have reduced the amount of sodium needed. However, reduced sodium products must appeal to consumers -- which is not a simple task. Also, sodium often plays an important role in food preservation, and there can be no compromising food safety simply to reduce a food product's sodium content.

"It is important for consumers to know that the amount of sodium in foods is clearly labeled on food packaging, and that a broad range of foods containing no sodium or low sodium, or with no added salt, are widely available. This broad range of food products on the market -- coupled with the information contained on the Nutrition Facts panel and food labels -- are critical components that enable consumers to choose food products that are appropriate for their dietary needs. "Rather than additional government requirements, what is needed is consumer education. For example, advice on sodium consumption can be found in the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans."

The Food Products Association is the largest trade association serving the food and beverage industry in the United States and worldwide. FPA's laboratory centers, scientists and professional staff provide technical and regulatory assistance to member companies and represent the food industry on scientific and public policy issues involving food safety, food security, nutrition, consumer affairs and international trade.