The American Public Health Association (APHA) has become the latest group to ask the U.S. government to decrease the high salt content in processed foods. The APHA has asked the Food and Drug Administration to regulate the amount of salt added during the food manufacturing process, with the goal of decreasing heart disease and high blood pressure. The Centers for Disease Control and American Heart Association have also indicated a desire for such changes.

U.S. Dietary Guidelines currently recommend about one teaspoon of salt daily, and less for people who have high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or who are age 50 or older.

A life-long salt craving

Groups including the American Medical Association have grown increasingly aware that reducing salt intake among even healthy children and adults could prevent or minimize age-related problems with high blood pressure. By reducing the amount of sodium in processed foods, advocates hope that children will not develop a preference for saltier tastes.

As notes the Institute of Medicine’s comprehensive report on Strategies to Reduce Sodium Intake in the United States, “Very little of the sodium in foods is naturally occurring; most of it is added by the food industry in the form of sodium chloride, but other sodium-containing compounds make a contribution.” According to this group’s report, foods contribute the vast majority of dietary sodium, estimated at 3,407 mg/d for persons 2 or more years of age for 2003–2006 – well over the recommended daily amount.

The FDA may one day institute changes to what is considered Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for sodium content in both processed foods and restaurant meals. In the meantime, you will need to continue to read labels and ask questions.

• Opt for fresh or frozen foods where possible

• Choose low-sodium options if they are available

• Before eating out, check the restaurant’s website. Many list the sodium content for their most popular menu items.

• Avoid higher sodium menu items such as those served in barbeque or teriyaki sauce

• Ask for sauces and salad dressings on the side