By Karen Frantz
Mayor Michael Bloomberg lauded the almost two-dozen companies and restaurants that voluntarily reduced the salt content in their foods as part of an initiative to reduce the nation’s sodium intake Monday.
The reduced sodium goals were part of the National Salt Reduction Initiative, which Bloomberg announced in 2008 and aims for companies and restaurants to cut excess salt in their foods by 25 percent over five years.
“Prior to our National Salt Reduction Initiative, there was no comprehensive approach to lowering sodium in foods, and many questioned whether companies would step up to meet a voluntary pledge,” Bloomberg said.
“These companies have demonstrated their commitment to removing excess sodium from their products and to working with public health authorities toward a shared goal — helping their customers lead longer, healthier lives,” he said.
Some food manufacturers and restaurants that met their 2012 sodium goals include Butterball, Goya Foods, Heinz, Kraft Foods, Subway, Au Bon Pain, Starbucks and Uno’s Chicago Grill.
About 80 percent of the salt in Americans’ diets come from pre-packaged or restaurant foods, and most Americans consume too much salt. Researchers estimate that by cutting daily salt consumption by 1,200 milligrams thousands of deaths could be prevented each year and billions in health care costs could be saved.
Reach reporter Karen Frantz by e-mail at kfrantz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-45348.
