Major food companies commit to cutting salt

Consumer Reports News: April 27, 2010 04:49 PM

If you're concerned about the amount of salt in some of the packaged and restaurant foods you eat, 16 food companies are working to lessen your concern—and your sodium intake. This week companies including Boar's Head, Heinz, FreshDirect, Subway®, and Starbucks joined efforts with the National Salt Reduction Initiative (NSRI). NSRI is a partnership of more than 45 cities, states, and national health organizations committed to reducing the amount of salt in packaged and restaurant food by 25 percent gradually over the next five years.

As part of the initiative, the companies will not only cut sodium in their foods, but plan to develop healthier options as well. For example, FreshDirect plans to work with chefs and nutritionists to develop microwavable Smart & Simple 4-Minute-Meals that are under 500 calories and lower in fat and sodium. Likewise, Heinz will reduce sodium by 15 percent across its base Ketchup line. And Starbucks will reduce calories, and lower the levels of sodium in their food.

Almost 80 percent of the sodium in our diets comes from packaged and restaurant foods and it's not always lurking in the extra-salty foods you'd suspect. For instance, a muffin can pack as much salt as a whole bag of potato chips. Cutting sodium in these types of foods is a great way to get us all to more healthful levels. Right now, most Americans consume more than double their daily recommended level of sodium, which is 2,300 milligrams (approximately one teaspoon) of salt per day for most adults—and 1,500 milligrams for more at-risk groups. As we await the federal government's decision on regulating sodium levels, we can take comfort in knowing a handful of major food companies are making a smart, healthy move in the right direction.

Do you agree?

—Ginger Skinner

To cut down on salt at home, take a look these easy tips.

—Aaron Bailey