The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is revisiting guidelines on salt and sodium in food. Salt and sodium are currently regulated by the FDA as food additives. Generally, salt is considered safe for inclusion in food and sodium content is a mandatory component of the nutrition facts label on packaged foods. Currently, the FDA recommends daily sodium intake as approximately 2,400 mg per day.

CBC News reports that the FDA is working on voluntary guidelines for lower sodium levels in the food industry. FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg stated that sodium is a public health concern and an FDA priority. It still is not clear when the FDA will release these new guidelines and no timeline has been identified. Commissioner Hamburg expressed a desire to be able to discuss a timeline soon.

Americans eat about one-and-a-half teaspoons of salt daily, which is about one-third more than the government recommends for good health and enough to increase the risk of high blood pressure, strokes, and other health problems. Most consumed sodium is hidden in common processed foods and restaurant meals. Additionally, companies use sodium for more than just flavor. They also use it to increase shelf life, prevent bacteria growth, or improve texture and appearance.

The American Heart Association provides guidelines for reducing salt intake. First, they suggest learning to track sodium intake and knowing the salt measurement equivalents of sodium content. The American Heart Association also suggests using other spices to add kicks of flavor to food rather than just relying on salt. Finally, more conscientious choices when eating out will help reduce one of the biggest sources of hidden sodium.