FDA should back off on salt

By: Trice Whitefield
Newspaper: Newsday

Though the FDA is considering federal limits on the salt content of foods, it would be better served reviewing the limits of its authority ["FDA urged to limit salt in foods," News, Nov. 30].

Salt is unique to products previously regulated by the agency. Unlike, say, arsenic or lead, salt is something our bodies need to function. The advocacy groups pushing for federal controls claim that the amount of salt consumed, rather than salt itself, is harmful. But even at high intake levels, there's no direct evidence (like the proof against cigarettes) that sodium causes disease.

Let's face it: Too much of any good thing (carrots, vitamins, exercise, etc.) can be bad for your health. And that's doubly true for government.