Mars Food US Signs National Salt Reduction Initiative

Company to reduce sodium in its UNCLE BEN’S brand flavored rice products, underscoring commitment to health and nutrition.

27 Apr 2010 --- Mars Food US, a leading producer of a variety of food products under well known brand names, including UNCLE BEN’S, announced that it has signed on to the National Salt Reduction Initiative (NSRI).

The NSRI is a New York City-led coalition of cities, states and health organizations working to help food manufacturers and restaurants voluntarily reduce the amount of salt in their products, with the goal of reducing Americans’ salt intake by 20 percent over five years.  Mars Food US has been engaged with the City of New York since last year, providing feedback, insight and support to help partner on sodium reduction targets. 

As part of the company’s endorsement of the NSRI, Mars Food US is voluntarily committing to lowering the sodium content in its UNCLE BEN’S brand flavored rice products by 25 percent over five years.  The company’s other varieties of UNCLE BEN’S brand rice and products, including the certified organic SEEDS OF CHANGE Flavored Rice,  pasta sauce, simmer sauce and salad dressings, already meet the NSRI targets.

Commenting on the NSRI, Mike Wilson, vice president research & development, Mars Foods US said, “Mars Food US believes that sodium reduction is one of many important health and nutrition issues, and something we have been actively engaged in for some time. As part of our long term health and nutrition strategy, we remain committed to making significant sodium reductions without compromising the great taste our consumers expect as they continue to look for healthier food choices.  We believe that our efforts to reduce sodium in UNCLE BEN’S brand flavored rice can have a significant impact, especially since it is the number-one rice brand in America.”

Wilson continued, “We applaud and support Mayor Bloomberg and the City of New York’s efforts to spearhead this initiative, and this is validation of our long-standing efforts in this area.  We appreciate being given the opportunity to participate in helping craft sodium reduction targets and believe the success of the NSRI can serve as an example of how public and private partnerships can positively affect health and nutrition.”