New York City Launches First Of Its Kind Salt Warning Labels Law

New York City Launches First Of Its Kind Salt Warning Labels Law - The city of New York has become the first in the nation to implement the salt warning law, requiring all restaurants to add a small ‘salt shaker’ icon on items that top the recommended daily limit.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans says the recommended daily sodium intake is 2,300 milligrams, or about or less than 1,500 mg per day for older people (or by age 51 or older) - so the city of New York on December 1 implemented a law, the first of its kind, that requires all chain restaurants operating within the city to put a special “salt warning” symbol next to highly salty food items on their menu.

City health officials say they’re hoping the symbol can influence restaurant goers.

In a press event with Applebee’s last month, the NYC health department’s prevention & primary care Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sonia Angell warned that when we eat food with too much sodium, “our blood pressure can go up - and this is something that we can control.” 

She also added that the warning labels can help consumers choose healthier food.

Applebee’s International Inc stated using the symbol on all its New York City menu items in November. Applebee’s sells pastas and chips that contain more sodium than recommended.

According to the city’s official website, the black and white icon with the little salt-shaker must be shown on all menus, both on boards and handhelds, and on food items that are displayed for sale with a food item tag, and “post a sodium warning statement everywhere customers place their orders.” It also requires all restaurants with drive-throughs to show the little icon on salty products listed in drive-through counter menu boards.

But the salt warning label law is just “a baby step”, and the American Dietary Guidelines says processed food sold in supermarkets and home-cooked meals also contain more salt than recommended.

On its website, health officials suggest replacing salt with herbs and spices. For instance, cook soups, salads, vegetables, fish, and meats with basil or oregano and not salt. These herbs contain nutrients like vitamin A, Iron and Vitamin C.

Restaurant Group Sues New York City

Shortly after its implementation, a group of restaurant owners has sued the city over the salt warning labels. On its official website, the National Restaurant Association or NRA announced that it filed the lawsuit Thursday in the Supreme Court of the State of New York.

The NRA said it filed the lawsuit “because the board of health (in the city) lacks authority to enact such a mandate.”

NRA’s regulatory counsel Angelo Amador says the NYC health board “has acted without any legislative guidance and improperly sidestepped the people’s representatives on the City Council.” Source: StGist

SHARE