US Food Companies Unite to Reduce Salt

Sixteen US food producers have come together as part of a national effort to reduce salt content in restaurant and packaged foods by 25% in the next five years.

Mars Foods will cut the salt in its Uncle Ben’s rice by 25% while Heinz will reduce sodium by 15% in all its ketchup and marinades sold in the US.

Sandwich chain Subway said it has cut sodium by 30% in its European outlets and is working on reducing salt on all the items in its US restaurants.

Starbucks will cut salt in its breakfast sandwiches, while Boar’s Head will cut salt in its cured meats, cold cuts and sausages.

Other companies involved in the programme include Au Bon Pain, FreshDirect, Goya, Hain Celestial Group, Kraft, LiDestri, McCain Foods, Red Gold, Unilever, Uno Chicago Grill and White Rose.

Kraft spokeswoman Valerie Moens said the company has started working to cut 10% average sodium across its North American operations over the next two years.