The FDA's Progression in Advancing Sodium Reduction

Today’s regulatory environment surrounding sodium reduction reflects a long history of collaborative efforts from researchers, lawmakers, consumers, and more.

Since its inception, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been making strides to improve public health. By collaborating with nutritionists, food industry leaders, consumer groups and other health experts, the FDA has adjusted its positions and enacted revised regulations that require food manufacturers to provide greater detail on sodium, fats, and certain nutrients on packaged food labels based on new science and trends that continue to emerge. (1) Today’s regulatory environment is no exception as the FDA continues to advance sodium reduction efforts through its new Nutrition Innovation Strategy. (2)

The figure below outlines some of the most significant regulatory sodium reduction milestones that have occurred in the US. Prior to the 1980s, many consumers had little understanding of the negative health effects of overconsuming sodium, though heightened levels of public awareness for sodium reduction corresponded with the regulatory shifts. (1)

Year	Regulatory Sodium Reduction Milestones
1982	The FDA proposes a rule to establish definitions for sodium claims (“sodium free,” “reduced sodium,” etc.)
1990	Sodium first appears on the Nutrition Facts Label and parameters are established surrounding sodium claims due to a new proposal by the FDA Daily Reference Values (DRVs) and Reference Daily Intakes (RDIs) are established by the FDA
2007	The FDA convenes for its first public hearing on whether to limit sodium in processed foods
2009	NYC Health Department launched the National Salt Reduction Initiative (NSRI)
2010	The FDA begins planning to limit amounts of salt allowed in processed foods
2015	New York City becomes 1^st US city to pass a mandate for Sodium Warning Labels for restaurants
2016	The FDA issues draft voluntary sodium reduction guidelines for processed and commercially prepared foods
March 2018	The FDA’s Nutrition Innovation Strategy is announced
June 2018	Philadelphia becomes 2^nd US city to pass a mandate for Sodium Warning Labels for restaurants
January 2020	Large food manufactures (>$10 Mil. in annual sales) are required to use the new Nutrition Facts Label

Though many regulatory measures have been taken to lower sodium intake at a population level over the years, health experts say that 90% of Americans still consume too much sodium. (3) The FDA’s current Commissioner, Scott Gottlieb, M.D., has made it apparent throughout the year that he intends to continue to utilize the power of the FDA to improve public health, with one of his main initiatives being sodium reduction. In a recent press release, Gottlieb stated “Since the FDA regulates 80% of America’s food supply, we have a clear role to play in advancing policies that, in part, empower consumers with information when they’re making decisions about food [...] At the same time, we’re committed to providing incentives for food manufacturers to produce healthier products. Our overall aim is preventing diseases that are attributed to poor nutrition.” (4)

The incentives that Gottlieb is referring to in terms of sodium reduction includes a variety of regulatory actions that are underway. Gottlieb has stated that he intends to advance the voluntary sodium reduction guidelines for processed and commercially prepared foods. In 2020, large food manufacturers will also be required to use the new Nutrition Facts Label on their food products, which will include requirements to mandatorily list potassium, decrease the Daily Value of sodium from 2,400 mg to 2,300 mg, and increase the Daily Value of potassium from 3,600 mg to 4,700 mg. (5, 6) From these recent actions and the FDA’s new Nutrition Innovation Strategy, it seems there will be continued regulatory action on dietary sodium reduction for the population by the US government. (4)