The draft guidance is consistent with FDA’s Nutrition Innovation Strategy to reduce the burden of chronic disease in the United States through improved nutrition
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing a draft guidance to advise food manufacturers of its intent to exercise enforcement discretion for the name “potassium chloride salt” in the ingredient statement on food labels as an alternative to the common or usual name “potassium chloride.”
The draft guidance is consistent with FDA’s Nutrition Innovation Strategy to reduce the burden of chronic disease in the United States through improved nutrition. The strategy’s goals are to empower consumers with information and support and foster industry innovation in developing and promoting healthful food options. The draft guidance is also consistent with FDA’s activities to encourage manufacturers to reduce the sodium levels in food products in the interest of public health.
FDA says, “The addition of the term “salt” to “potassium chloride” may encourage manufacturers to use this sodium alternative and help consumers to understand that potassium chloride can replace sodium chloride in foods. This may help to reduce the intake of sodium, which is over-consumed by the U.S. population, while increasing potassium, which is under-consumed.”
Potassium chloride, in some instances, can be used as a partial substitute for sodium chloride in food processing and manufacturing.