NYC Board of Health Approves Salt Warnings for Certain Restaurant Fare

The New York City (NYC) Board of Health has reportedly amended
Article 81 of the NYC Health Code to require food items containing more
than 2,300 milligrams of sodium to be singled out on menus and menu
boards with a salt-shaker icon and an accompanying warning statement.
The initiative affects restaurant chains with more than 15 locations
nationwide, and the mandated warning must state that the “sodium
content of this item is higher than the total daily recommended limit
(2,300 mg).

“Many others recognize the important public health impact of excess
sodium intake, and I am hopeful that others will follow suit,” Health
Commissioner Mary Bassett, was quoted as saying.

The warnings will take effect on December 1, 2015, and reportedly apply
to about 10 percent of menu selections offered by chain restaurants
covered under the amendment. Violators of the regulation will face $200
fines. See The New York Times and Associated Press, September 9, 2015.

Issue 578