Potassium Salt as an alternative name for potassium chloride

The FDA wants to provide the food and beverage industry with greater flexibility when labeling their products, including those that are formulated to reduce sodium content. Sodium consumption continues to be above recommended intakes in the United States and this latest FDA enforcement discretion may help in manufacturers using potassium chloride as a substitute ingredient for some sodium chloride and may lead to reduced sodium intake.

“This guidance is consistent with FDA’s Nutrition Innovation Strategy to reduce the burden of chronic disease in the United States through improved nutrition, by empowering consumers with information, and supporting and fostering industry innovation in developing and promoting healthfulness of food options.”¹ This guidance is how FDA is supporting innovation for food manufacturers to reduce the sodium levels in food products in the interest of public health.

With this December 18, 2020 notice, the FDA has taken a logical and bold step in improving public health. Allowing the name “potassium salt” in the ingredient statement on food labels as an alternative to the common or usual name “potassium chloride” will hopefully change perceptions of food and beverage labels and hence, consumer buying behavior. The US population needs more potassium in their diet and less sodium.  It’s that simple. With this step by the FDA, there is significant potential to help improve the health of many Americans.

Sources:

1  https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/guidance-industry-use-alternate-name-potassium-chloride-food-labeling

2  https://www.natlawreview.com/article/fda-guidance-use-potassium-salt-alternate-name-potassium-chloride-food-labeling

3  https://www.natlawreview.com/article/fda-greenlights-use-potassium-chloride-salt-alternative-name-potassium-chloride-food