(OR02-05-26) No Apparent Reduction in Sodium Content After 2021 Issuance of FDA Voluntary Sodium Reduction Goals

Objectives: To assess the potential impact of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Voluntary Sodium Reduction Goals, issued in October 2021, on the sodium content of newly introduced foods in top sodium-contributing categories in the United States.

Methods: Using the Mintel Global New Products Database, we conducted a longitudinal analysis of sodium content (mg/100g) in foods introduced in the United States during 2015-2025 across major sodium-contributing categories: breads & bread products, pizzas, sandwiches/wraps, meat products, corn-based snacks, potato snacks, popcorn, dry soups, and wet soups. We evaluated differences in sodium content among products introduced before versus after the FDA Voluntary Sodium Reduction Goals were issued in October 2021 using linear mixed-effects models. Models assessing overall differences across all nine categories accounted for between-category heterogeneity. We also conducted stratified analyses within each category.

Results: Across the nine selected food categories identified as major contributors to dietary sodium intake, sodium content did not differ (mean difference: 1 mg/100 g; 95% CI: -16, 13; p=0.84) between products introduced before and after the issuance of the FDA Voluntary Sodium Reduction Goals. When comparing sodium content in individual categories before and after the guidance was issued, post-policy sodium content was lower only in meat products (-78 mg/100g; 95% CI: -111, -46; p< 0.001). In contrast, sodium content increased in 4 of 9 categories: dry soups (1,002 mg/100 g; 95% CI: 379, 1,623; p=0.002), popcorn (49 mg/100 g; 95% CI: 6, 92; p=0.03), bread & bread products (26 mg/100 g; 95% CI: 12, 40; p< 0.001), and corn-based snacks (29 mg/100g; 95% CI: 0, 57; p=0.048). No significant pre-and post-policy differences (p >0.10) were observed for the other categories (i.e., pizzas, sandwiches/wraps, potato snacks, and wet soups).

Conclusions: Across nine major sodium-contributing food categories, the FDA’s 2021 Voluntary Sodium Reduction Goals have not led to any meaningful reductions and in four categories, the sodium content has increased. These findings indicate that voluntary policies are insufficient to reduce sodium in key parts of the food supply, keeping Americans at unnecessary risk of diet-related diseases.

Funding Sources: None