Labeling for Low Reduced Salt Foods
Consumers are inundated with labels touting the health benefits of various products. But often people are left wondering who determines whether something is "low sodium" and how low does it have to be to put the words "low sodium" on the label. Excessive sodium intake contributes to medical problems like high blood pressure, so it is important that you know how to read the labels.
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Regulating Your Intake
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If you are eating more than 1 tsp of salt per day, then your doctor is likely to recommend that you reevaluate your diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that everyone limit their daily sodium intake at 2,300 mg. And the salt is generally hiding in places where most people would not think to look. For example, some brands of pasta, cheese and even soy products contain an exorbitant amount of salt.
Sodium Guidelines from the FDA
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According to the FDA, a product can advertise "low sodium" if is contains no more than 140 mg of sodium per serving. "Reduced sodium" applies to an item that contains 25 percent less sodium than the original product. But be aware that the FDA allows products to claim that they are "health foods" even if they contain 480 mg of sodium. Bearing the "health food" label does not necessarily mean that the item has a low sodium content.
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How Does the Low Sodium Version Taste?
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Companies are hoping that consumers do not notice a difference in taste. However, people do become accustomed to a certain taste, and marketing departments are extremely nervous about advertising changes. In August 2009, Jim Downing of "The Sacramento Bee" reported that Campbell's was making its ever-popular soup with a lower sodium content. As expected, marketing departments seemed anxious to find out if the new recipe would be as well-received as the old one.
Conscious Consumerism
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Honestly, cooking three meals a day is not feasible for most people. This means spending time in the prepackaged food sections of the grocery store. Search for those low-sodium labels because they will shave off that extra salt that could put you at risk for hypertension. But also make sure that fresh fruits and vegetables make their way in as well. After all, nothing pairs better with pre-made, low-sodium soup than a nice green salad tossed with olive oil or low-sodium dressing.
The Statement You Make at the Grocery Store
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When a grocery store takes inventory, the management notices which products sell and which do not. It will strive to make the supply match the demand. Hence, when you and your 10 friends purchase low-sodium beans, the store will go to the company to request additional inventory. Every time you select low-sodium foods over the competition, you are saying that you prefer this type of food and more low-sodium options should be available to you. Companies without low-sodium foods want your business and will make arrangements to accommodate the low-sodium crowd.
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