New York mayor attacks salt in ongoing health war
NEW YORK: Following on the heels of his campaign against tobacco and trans fats, Mayor Michael Bloomberg is taking aim at salt.
Yesterday, the city formalized the initiative and announced a list of partners. Unlike previous campaigns, this one isn't starting with a local ban. Health officials are hoping manufacturers and restaurants nationwide will voluntarily decrease the amount of salt in food by 25 percent over five years. They say Americans are consuming twice as much salt as recommended, causing high blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart attacks and stroke.
Packaged and restaurant foods should reduce their salt content by 25 percent over the next five years, says a national campaign led by New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Farley.