The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new guidance asking food manufacturers and restaurants to limit the amount of sodium in processed, packaged, and prepared foods by 12% over the next two and a half years.

Acting FDA Commissioner, Janet Woodcock, said that the country is fighting an epidemic of chronic diseases related to the diet, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Meanwhile, Susan Mayne, director of the FDA′s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, stated that Americans consume more than 50% more sodium than the recommended level.

The guidance specifies voluntary short-term sodium reduction targets for restaurants, food manufacturers, as well as food service operators for 163 types of processed, packaged or prepared foods… (Medpage Today)