The FDA has issued guidelines for sodium in food that seek to reduce the average level in the American diet by 12%.
The recommendation seeks to limit sodium consumption to 3,000mg per day, down from the current average of about 3,400. Current dietary guidelines say adults should consume a limit of about 2,300mg.
The guidelines pertain to all forms of food, including restaurant meals, as well as packaged retail products. Acting FDA commissioner Janet Woodcock says that companies that reduce sodium to meet the guidelines will be rewarded, although she didn’t say how, or whether there would be consequences for those who don’t.
The FDA issued similar voluntary guidelines in 2016, without much effect. Some industry trade groups pushed back against the effort.
