Citation
Curtis, Christine J.; Clapp, Jenifer; Niederman, Sarah A.; Ng, Shu Wen; & Angell, Sonia Y. (2016). US Food Industry Progress during the National Salt Reduction Initiative: 2009-2014. American Journal of Public Health, 106(10), 1815-1819. PMCID: PMC5024394Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To assess the US packaged food industry's progress from 2009 to 2014, when the National Salt Reduction Initiative had voluntary, category-specific sodium targets with the goal of reducing sodium in packaged and restaurant foods by 25% over 5 years.METHODS: Using the National Salt Reduction Initiative Packaged Food Database, we assessed target achievement and change in sales-weighted mean sodium density in top-selling products in 61 food categories in 2009 (n = 6336), 2012 (n = 6898), and 2014 (n = 7396). RESULTS: In 2009, when the targets were established, no categories met National Salt Reduction Initiative 2012 or 2014 targets. By 2014, 26% of categories met 2012 targets and 3% met 2014 targets. From 2009 to 2014, the sales-weighted mean sodium density declined significantly in almost half of all food categories (43%; 26/61 categories). Overall, sales-weighted mean sodium density declined significantly (by 6.8%; P < .001).
CONCLUSIONS: National target setting with monitoring through a partnership of local, state, and national health organizations proved feasible, but industry progress was modest.
PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS: The US Food and Drug Administration's proposed voluntary targets will be an important step in achieving more substantial sodium reductions.
URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2016.303397Reference Type
Journal ArticleYear Published
2016Journal Title
American Journal of Public HealthAuthor(s)
Curtis, Christine J.Clapp, Jenifer
Niederman, Sarah A.
Ng, Shu Wen
Angell, Sonia Y.