The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday is pushing to cut salt levels by 12% in food ranging from packaged meats to cheese, as it tries to clamp down on a growing epidemic of preventable health issues that has plagued the country.
In far-reaching guidelines, which come five years after the agency’s initial recommendation, the FDA is calling for voluntary short-term sodium reduction targets from food manufacturers, chain restaurants and food service operators.
High sodium consumption has long been linked to high blood pressure, which is a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. More than 4 in 10 American adults suffer from high blood pressure, according to the agency.
