Six New Companies Commit to National Salt Reduction Initiative

The nationwide movement to reduce sodium levels in manufactured food products has taken new heights. Hostess, Butterball, Snyder’s of Hanover, Premio, Furmano’s, and Delhaize America have all signed commitments to the National Salt Reduction Initiative, a program endorsed by city and state health organizations and other interested parties across the country. In signing onto the National Salt Reduction Initiative, the companies agree to reduce sodium content in products by 25% over five years.

The National Salt Reduction Initiative now has 16 food makers signed on. The recent additions will work to meet sodium reduction targets as follows:

• Hostess: its entire line of bread products.

• Butterball: deli meats and hot dogs.

• Snyder’s of Hanover: unflavored chips.

• Premio: uncooked sausages.

• Delhaize America: products across 22 packaged food categories, including frozen pizza, cereal, and butter.

Heinz, which previously made a commitment through the project, has vowed to further reduce sodium in frozen pizza and entrees.

“Reducing salt intake has been a public health priority for decades,” said Thomas Farley, PhD, New York City health commissioner. “The national initiative that New York City spearheaded has begun the work to achieve this goal, and we’re pleased to see the partnership expand and grow. Thanks to these food manufacturers and the National Salt Reduction Initiative’s 50-plus partners, the initiative truly has the potential to save tens of thousands of lives each year that otherwise would be lost to cardiovascular disease.”