Excess sodium consumption is associated with negative health effects such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and stroke. The US FDA is seeking to reduce U.S. average sodium intake by 12 percent over time by encouraging voluntary reductions from food manufacturers and restaurants.
In August 2024, the United States (US) Federal Register published a notice announcing the availability of “Voluntary Sodium Reduction Goals: Target Mean and Upper Bound Concentrations for Sodium in Packaged, Processed and Prepared Foods; Draft Guidance for Industry.” When finalized, the document will outline the US FDA’s current views on voluntary goals (Phase II) for sodium reduction in a variety of categories for products that are packaged, processed, and / or prepared. A 90-day comment period was provided.
Many from industry requested an extension of the comment period to allow more time for an adequate review of the guidance. Food companies stated that more time was needed to review the guidance against multiple product lines and brands. Another concern is that industry is already managing several other significant FDA initiatives, including the final ruling on “healthy” labeling.
The FDA has granted an additional two months for industry to respond to the draft guidance on reducing sodium content, with the new deadline for comments now January 13, 2025.
